The Midnight Cannoli

Sinister Suppers: Day 6

Sinister Suppers: Day 6

The kitchen clock ticked past midnight when the laughter died.

They’d spent the last two hours making cannoli together—something to distract them both, the way their mother used to. The sweet scent of vanilla and ricotta still clung to the air, but now the silence felt heavy.

Her sister had decided to stay the night—“just in case,” she’d said.

They’d filled the shells together, dusted them with powdered sugar, even joked about how Nonna used to say the best sweets were made under a dark moon.

They went to bed still laughing.

At 3:07 a.m., her phone buzzed.

1 new message

Don’t trust her.

She turned her head, but her sister was already staring at her—eyes wide, breathing shallow.

“Who is it?” the sister asked, voice trembling.

She didn’t answer.

A crash from the kitchen sent them both scrambling.

The overhead light swung on its chain like a pendulum, casting shadows that moved like living things.

She crept toward the noise.

The window was wide open.

A single cannoli shell lay on the counter—broken, its ends jagged like teeth.

Her sister followed, silent, eyes darting to every corner.

She turned. “It’s him,” she whispered. “He was here.”

Her sister’s eyes narrowed. “Or maybe it’s been you all along.”

A chill spread through her chest. “What are you saying?”

Her sister’s hand trembled as she reached for the rolling pin. “The messages. The nightmares. The burnt letter. You’ve been unraveling for weeks.”

She stepped back. “No—he’s real. He’s watching us.”

Her sister shook her head. “You’re scaring me.”

A voice from the darkness outside—low, smooth, mocking.

“She’s right to be scared.”

They both spun toward the window.

A figure stood there—no longer a shadow but flesh and bone. He grinned, eyes like empty wells.

The sister screamed.

She lunged for the window. He was already gone, but the echo of his laughter clung to the air like a curse.

Her sister turned, tears streaking her face. “I’m sorry,” she whispered. “I believe you now.”

But it was too late.

The laughter lingered.

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Homemade Cannoli

For the shells:

2 cups all-purpose flour

2 tablespoons granulated sugar

1 teaspoon cinnamon

¼ teaspoon salt

2 tablespoons butter, softened

1 egg, beaten

½ cup sweet Marsala wine (or dry white wine)

Vegetable oil, for frying

For the filling:

1 ½ cups ricotta cheese (drained overnight in a cheesecloth)

½ cup powdered sugar (plus extra for dusting)

½ teaspoon vanilla extract

¼ cup mini chocolate chips or finely chopped pistachios (optional)

Instructions:

1. Make the shells:

In a medium bowl, combine flour, sugar, cinnamon, and salt.

Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Add the egg and Marsala wine; knead until a smooth dough forms.

Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it rest at room temperature for 30 minutes.

2. Shape the shells:

Roll the dough thin (about 1/8-inch) on a lightly floured surface.

Cut into circles or ovals (about 4-5 inches).

Wrap each piece around a metal cannoli form (or improvise with rolled aluminum foil), sealing the edge with egg wash.

3. Fry the shells:

Heat oil in a deep pot to 350°F (175°C).

Fry the shells in batches until golden brown and crispy (1-2 minutes).

Drain on paper towels and let them cool completely. Remove the forms gently.

4. Make the filling:

In a bowl, mix the drained ricotta, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth and creamy.

Fold in mini chocolate chips or pistachios, if using.

5. Assemble:

Spoon the filling into a piping bag (or a zip-top bag with the corner snipped off) and pipe it into the cooled shells.

Dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Enjoy—sweet on the outside, but secrets might hide within.