Best-Ever Cannoli

Method
Prep:45min  ›  Cook:10min  ›  Extra time:30min chilling  ›  Ready in:1hr25min 

1. To Make Filling: Combine ricotta cheese, 250g caster sugar and 2 teaspoons vanilla until smooth and creamy. Stir in cut peel and chocolate chips. Refrigerate to chill.
2. To Make Shells: Sieve together into a bowl 375g flour, 4 tablespoons sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Cut in the margarine until pieces are the size of small peas. Stir in eggs. Blend in the vinegar and the cold water one tablespoon at a time.
3. Turn dough onto lightly floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic. Wrap in greaseproof paper and chill in refrigerator for half an hour.
4. From cardboard, cut an oval pattern measuring 15x11cm. Roll chilled dough 3mm thick on floured surface. Using the cardboard stencil and a pastry cutter, cut ovals from dough. Wrap dough ovals loosely around cannoli tubes, just lapping over opposite edges. Seal edges by brushing with the slightly beaten egg white.
5. Set out a deep saucepan 1/2 to 2/3 full of vegetable oil and heat to 180 degrees C. Fry only as many cannoli shells as will float uncrowded one layer deep. Fry about 8 minutes or until golden. Turn occasionally while frying.
6. Drain off excess fat before removing to kitchen towels. Cool slightly. Remove tubes. Cool shells completely.
7. When ready to serve, fill with chilled ricotta filling. Sprinkle ends of cannoli with chopped pistachio nuts and dust shells with icing sugar. Keep cannoli filling refrigerated.