Cannoli are Sicilian pastries consisting of a tube-shaped shell of fried pastry dough, filled with a sweet, creamy filling containing ricotta cheese. Their size ranges from 9 to 20 centimetres. They have since spread to mainland Italy, where they are known as cannolo siciliano.
Zabaione or, through hypercorrection, zabaglione is an Italian dessert, or sometimes a beverage, made with egg yolks, sugar, and a sweet wine. Some versions of the recipe incorporate spirits such as cognac. The dessert version is a light custard, whipped to incorporate a large amount of air. Since the 1960s, in restaurants in areas of the US with large Italian populations, zabaione is usually served with strawberries, blueberries, peaches, etc., in a champagne coupe, and is often prepared tableside for dramatic effect.
Gelato is the common word in Italian for all types of ice cream. In English, it specifically refers to a frozen dessert of Italian origin. Artisanal gelato in Italy generally contains 6–9% butterfat, which is lower than other styles of frozen dessert. Gelato typically contains 35% air and more flavoring than other types of frozen desserts, giving it an intense flavor with creamy, smooth texture, density and richness that distinguishes it from other ice creams.
Granita, in Italian also granita siciliana, is a semi-frozen dessert made from sugar, water, and various flavorings. Originally from Sicily, it is available throughout Italy in varying forms. It is related to sorbet and Italian ice; however, throughout Sicily its consistency varies. Food writer Jeffrey Steingarten says that "the desired texture seems to vary from city to city" on the island; on the west coast and in Palermo, it is at its chunkiest, and in the east, it is nearly as smooth as sorbet. This is largely the result of different freezing techniques: the smoother types are produced in a gelato machine, while the coarser varieties are frozen with only occasional agitation, then scraped or shaved to produce separated crystals. Although its texture varies from coarse to smooth, it is always different from that of ice cream, which is creamier, and from that of sorbet, which is more compact; this makes granita distinct and unique.
Ice cream parlors or ice cream parlours are parlor that sell ice cream, gelato, sorbet, and/or frozen yogurt to consumers. Ice cream is typically sold as regular ice cream, and/or soft serve, which is usually dispensed by a machine with a limited number of flavors. Ice cream parlors generally offer a number of flavors and items. Parlors often serve ice cream and other frozen desserts in cones, cups or dishes, the latter two to be eaten with a spoon. Some ice cream parlors prepare ice cream desserts such as sundaes or milkshakes, or even a blend.
Cassata or cassata siciliana is an Italian cake originating in the Sicily region. It is typically composed of a round sponge cake moistened with fruit juices or liqueur and layered with ricotta cheese and candied fruit. It has a shell of marzipan, pink and green colored icing, and decorative designs. Cassata may also refer to a Neapolitan ice cream containing candied or dried fruit and nuts.
Zuppa inglese is an Italian dessert with layers of custard and sponge cake dipped in liqueur, perhaps derived from trifle.
Sorbet is a frozen dessert made using ice combined with fruit juice, fruit purée, or other ingredients, such as wine, liqueur, or honey.
Semifreddo is a class of frozen desserts similar to ice cream. It is derived from the French parfait, introduced in Italy during the 19th century.
Affogato, known in full in Italian as affogato al caffè and gelato affogato al caffè, is an Italian dessert comprising a scoop of gelato or ice cream, either plain milk-flavored or vanilla, topped with hot espresso. Some variations add a shot of amaretto, bicerin, Kahlúa, or other liqueur.
Tartufo is an Italian dessert of gelato originating in the comune (municipality) of Pizzo, Calabria. The dessert takes the form of a ball that is composed of two or more flavors of gelato, often with melted chocolate inserted into the center or alternatively, with either fruit syrup or frozen fruit—typically raspberry, strawberry or cherry—in the center. Typically, the dessert is covered in a shell made of chocolate or cocoa, but sometimes cinnamon or nuts are used.
Stir-fried ice cream, also known as rolled ice cream or ice cream rolls, is a sweetened frozen dessert. It is made using milk, cream and sugars as well as other added ingredients to improve the flavor. The liquid mixture is stirred constantly to incorporate air spaces on an ice pan and simultaneously cooled to −30 °C (−22 °F) in a motion somewhat resembling stir frying. The completed rolling process results in rolls of smooth, semisolid ice cream or gelato. The rolls are placed in a vertical position in an ice cream cup, topped off with various toppings and decorations, and eaten with a spoon.
Stracciatella is a variety of gelato, consisting of fine strands of drizzled chocolate stirred through it. It was originally created in Bergamo, northern Italy, at the Ristorante La Marianna in 1961. Stracciatella was inspired by stracciatella soup, made from broth into which beaten egg is drizzled, popular around Rome. It is one of the most renowned Italian gelato flavors.
Sherbet, sometimes referred to as sherbert, is a frozen dessert made from water, sugar, a dairy product such as cream or milk, and a flavoring – typically fruit juice or purée, wine, liqueur, or occasionally non-fruit flavors such as vanilla, chocolate, or peppermint. It is similar to, but distinct from, sorbet, which lacks dairy.
