Ciao Chow Linda

Ricotta cheesecake with rhubarb raspberry topping

Ingredients

• Uses a 6″ removable bottom cake pan. Serves four

• Double quantities if using a larger springform pan

• For the Crust:

• 1/2 cup slivered almonds

• 2 T. flour

• 2 T. sugar

• 1 T. melted butter, cooled

• 1/2 large egg yolk

• 1/4 tsp. vanilla extract

• 1/4 tsp. almond extract

• For the Cheesecake:

• 3 eggs (actually a half of one of the egg yolks I used for the crust, above)

• 3/4 tsp. vanilla extract

• 1/4 tsp. almond extract

• 1 lb. ricotta (sheep’s or cow’s milk)

• 1 T. orange zest

• For the Topping (this is enough for the cheesecake plus extra for using on ice cream or yogurt):

• 4 large stalks rhubarb

• 1 cup raspberries

• juice of one orange

• 1/2 cup sugar

Instructions

1. Make the crust by placing the almonds, flour and sugar in a food processor and processing until it looks like grainy sand.

2. Add the melted butter, 1/2 egg yolk, vanilla and almond extracts.

3. Press into the bottom and sides of the cake pan, which has been buttered ahead of time.

4. Bake at 325 degrees for 20-30 minutes or until browned.

5. Let it cool.

6. For the cheesecake:

7. Put the ricotta through a sieve and drain overnight if it’s very moist.

8. In a food processor, add the ricotta, eggs, sugar, vanilla, almond extract and orange zest.

9. Blend for a few minutes until everything is well mixed.

10. Pour the filling into the crust, then wrap the pan in aluminum foil.

11. Place the pan into another pan and pour water around the cheesecake pan, making sure not to spill any into the cheesecake.

12. Bake at 325 degrees for one hour and 15 minutes, longer if using a larger pan.

13. It does not need to be “brown” on top. It should retain its pale color.

14. For the topping:

15. Slice the rhubarb into small pieces.

16. Place the orange juice and sugar into a pan with the rhubarb pieces and raspberries.

17. Cook at high heat until it reaches a boil, then lower and cook for about five minutes, or until the rhubarb pieces just start to break down.

18. Let cool, then pour over the cheesecake just before serving.