A couple of weeks ago we had some friends over for a quick meaning last minute BBQ. It is so nice having some things on hand to whip up to bring or make for a quick get together.  Proteins that take marinade pretty quickly and cook up fast on the grill, steak tips, boneless skinless chicken thighs and shrimp all great options I’ve even pulled off a pork tenderloin on the grill in about 30 minutes.

My girlfriend made a very nice pasta salad and the piece de resistance; in my opinion was her cannoli dip for dessert. If I was in a pastry shop and I had to choose one; either an éclair or a cannoli, it would be the éclair every time. However after NP brought over her cannoli dip, I might have to ponder for a minute, or better yet I might just get both.

I have made the dip twice since and I has not disappointed anyone that I have served it to. With one exception; I have mentioned more times than I can count how opinionated my husband is, well guests dishes are no exception. NP put mini chocolate chips in and on top of her dip; as it should be and my husband would have rather of had the chocolate be shaved instead. We all told him where he can go with his shaved chocolate; basically he can shave his own chocolate, we are sticking with the mini chips.

Cannoli Dip

1 brick cream cheese softened

2 cups ricotta

1 ½ cups confectioners sugar

1 tsp vanilla

1 cup+ mini chocolate chips

Cannoli chips i found mine at my grocery store and they have 2 kinds.one with powdered sugar and the other with cinnamon – i bought both – it makes a lot of dip.

NP said you can also use crumbled sugar ice cream cones; I haven’t tried them yet

Beat together ricotta and cream cheese till smooth; add the vanilla and sugar and mix well.  Add the cup of chips and sprinkle a little more on top.