Melt the dark chocolate over a double boiler or in the microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring in between to prevent burning. Let it cool until lukewarm.
Place the ricotta in a large mixing bowl and drain it thoroughly. This is an important step, as too much moisture will cause the filling to soak the cannoli shells. Use paper towels or a fine-mesh sieve.
Add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, orange zest, and orange juice to the ricotta, then mix until smooth. This provides the base flavor - making the cream fresh and citrusy.
Stir the melted, cooled dark chocolate into the ricotta mixture. Mix thoroughly until you have a uniform, creamy consistency. Chocolate and orange are a great combination.
Refrigerate the filling for 10 minutes to firm up slightly, making it easier to fill the cannoli shells. This prevents the cream from running or becoming too soft.
Fill the cannoli shells with the cream using a piping bag or a small spoon, evenly from both sides. Do not overfill, as it may spill out when serving.
Before serving, dust with powdered sugar and garnish with chocolate shavings or additional grated orange zest, if desired. Serve immediately to ensure the shells retain their crispness.
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