I had company for lunch today and it had an Italian theme. An Italian theme because I had a container of marscapone that I wanted to use and so found this dessert and the rest of the menu grew from it! A salad ala Olive Garden (romaine, black olives, peppercini, cherry tomatoes, shredded Parmesan with an oil and vinegar dressing, a baked ziti casserole, hot garlic bread.

This was good and light after a pasta meal and as easy as "pie"!!!! I did cheat and use a graham cracker crust rather than a homemade one.

I did get rave reviews -- not only on dessert but the rest of the meal as well.

Cannoli Tart

CANNOLI TART

1 1/4 c. graham cracker crumbs

3 T. sugar

5 T. butter, melted

Filling:

3/4 c. cream

3/4 c. powdered sugar, divided

12 oz. mascarpone cheese, room temperature

1/2 t. vanilla

1/2 t. cinnamon

Preheat oven to 325 and grease a 9 inch tart pan. Combine ingredients for crust and press into the bottom and up the sides of the pan. Bake crust for 7 minutes, then remove rom oven and allow to cool completely.

Whip heavy cream on high speed for 2 - 3 minutes. When it starts to thicken, add 1/4 c. of powdered sugar and whip on high until stiff peaks form. Set aside.

Combine mascarpone, 1/2 c. powdered sugar, vanilla and cinnamon. Mix on slow speed until combined. Do not overtax.

Carefully fold whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture. Spread filling into the crust and refrigerate until firm 3 - 4 hours.

I sprinkled the top with chocolate chips and a shower of powdered sugar to serve.