Spiced Pumpkin Cannolis

Cannolis are the perfect Halloween dessert when you add pumpkin, pistachios, and a mix of pumpkin pie spices.

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup strained yogurt
• 3/4 cup powdered sugar
• 3/4 cup pumpkin, canned or fresh baked and pureed
• 1/2 cup light ricotta cheese
• 1 tbsp pumpkin pie spice
• 1/4 tsp cardamom powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup chopped pistachios
• 1/2 cup light whipping cream
• 1 dozen prepared cannoli shells

Directions:

Pour yogurt through a cheesecloth and allow it to strain in refrigerator for at least 4 hours. Once yogurt is strained, whisk together yogurt, sugar, pumpkin, ricotta and pumpkin pie spice in a large bowl. Stir in 1/4 cup nuts and refrigerate. In a separate bowl, whip whipping cream until stiffened. Refrigerate and allow to chill. If all ingredients are cold, they will combine better. Once chilled, fold cream into mixture of yogurt, sugar, pumpkin, ricotta, spice and nuts. Fill shells by spooning filling into a piping bag or in a resealable bag with a corner snipped. Garnish with pistachios at the end of the cannolis and powdered sugar, if desired.

Number of Servings: 12

Notes from the Cook: This is a wonderful variation on the popular Italian pastry and is deliciously seasonal with the addition of pumpkin for Halloween. The whipping cream and ricotta can both be substituted with traditional full fat version, if desired.