🍋 Zesty Lemon Meringue Pie Cannolis 🍋

A Sweet Twist on a Classic Favorite – Perfect for Any Gathering Where Desserts Take Center Stage!

🍽️ Ingredients 🍽️
- 4 large egg whites
- Zest of 2 lemons
- ½ cup granulated sugar (for meringue)
- ½ cup fresh lemon juice (about 2-3 lemons)
- 4 large egg yolks
- ½ cup unsalted butter, cubed
- ½ cup granulated sugar (for lemon curd)
- 12 pre-made cannoli shells (store-bought or homemade)
- Optional: powdered sugar for dusting
- ¼ teaspoon cream of tartar
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract

🧑‍🍳 Directions 🧑‍🍳
1. Prepare the Lemon Curd:
   In a medium saucepan, whisk together lemon juice, lemon zest, ½ cup sugar, and egg yolks. Set over medium heat and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat, whisk in the cubed butter until smooth. Transfer to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap touching the surface, and chill in the refrigerator.

2. Fill the Cannoli Shells:
   Once chilled, spoon the lemon curd into a piping bag with a large round tip. Pipe the curd evenly into both ends of each cannoli shell, ensuring they are completely filled.

3. Prepare the Meringue:
   In a clean bowl, beat egg whites and cream of tartar with an electric mixer until soft peaks form. Gradually add ½ cup sugar, continuing to beat until stiff, glossy peaks form. Mix in vanilla extract briefly.

4. Top with Meringue:
   Transfer meringue to a piping bag fitted with a star tip. Pipe a decorative swirl of meringue on each end of the filled cannolis. Lightly torch the meringue with a kitchen torch until golden, taking care not to burn the shells.

🍎 Nutritional Information 🍎
- Calories: 290 per serving
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 16g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
- Sodium: 85mg

💡 Tips and Tricks 💡
- For an extra crispy shell, fill the cannolis just before serving to prevent them from getting soggy.
- If you don’t have a kitchen torch, broil the meringue-topped cannolis in the oven for a few seconds for a similar toasted effect.

⏳ Preparation time 🍰
- Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Serving: 12 cannolis