Ahhh Italian food, it holds a special place in the hearts of many people. Food in general brings about a mixtures of emotions, but Italian food brings these feelings to another universe. Especially, Italian deserts. Italian deserts are like my kryptonite. They breakdown my will power and force me to overeat during the holidays... but I'm not complaining. My stomach is full and I can sleep soundly knowing this only happens a few days out of every year. I know plenty of people will say "I've had cannolis before - no big deal." Well let me tell you something: IT IS A BIG DEAL. Well to Italians everything is a big deal... but that's not the point.
These desserts were a corner stone of my childhood and hold a special place in my heart. Maybe I'm slightly biased due to a strong Italian heritage, but Italian dessert is the cream of the crop. Anyway enough ranting, here's 10 desserts you can drool over while I explain why they're amazing.
1. Cannoli
The most familiar of Italian desserts to those who aren't Italian, the cannoli is a classic desert. The hard crunchy pastry shell, the ricotta filling, and of course the chocolate chips make this spectacular desert come to life in your mouth.
2. Tiramisu 
This cake is for die hard coffee enthusiasts of all ages. The soft, fluffy, cake with rum an coffee soaked ladyfingers will bring you to your knees if baked correctly. It's a tricky desert to make at home so just be prepared if you make it from scratch.
3. Rainbow Cookies
These wonderful rainbow colored treats are to die for any time of year. The chocolate covered layers filled with almond paste will have your taste buds singing.
4. Pignoli Cookies
Pignoli nuts are the main ingredient for these wonderful cookies hence the name. These cookies melt in your mouth and have a nice crunch. A must try for any cookie fanatic.
5. Lobster Tails
These heavy duty treats will really fill you up, so beware. The lobster tail consists of a crunchy shell filled with ricotta cream inside. Quite the Italian delicacy.
6. Tartufo
The ice cream filled dessert has something every dessert lover will enjoy. Tartufo usually has two flavors of ice cream with a cherry or strawberry filled center, then covered in powdered chocolate. This wonderful concoction is an ice cream lovers best friend.
7. Zeppole
These deep fried dough balls covered in powdered sugar are the Italian version of fried dough. Zeppole's are sometimes filled with jelly or a flavored cream, but these simple fried bits of heaven are addicting.
8. Biscotti
The sidekick to any cappuccino or coffee drink Biscotti's are a simple dessert. These cookies are great to dunk in your coffee after dinner or in the morning before work.
9. Pandoro
The traditional Italian Christmas dessert isn't quite as appetizing at first glance. Topped with powdered sugar, the sweet yeast bread is still very enjoyable to the taste buds.
10. Gelato
Another ice cream based treat that will send you into a food coma. The arch enemy of ice cream this dairy treat is equally as delicious, if not better, than conventional ice cream.
Hope this "Guido" guide to delicious Italian treats was helpful. I'm gonna go help myself to some left over cannolis right now.
