PASKHA (RUSSIAN CHEESECAKE)

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Make and share this Paskha (Russian Cheesecake) recipe from Food.com.

Provided by Mysterygirl

Categories     Cheesecake

Yield 10 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 16

6 cups farmer cheese, 3 Lbs or 6 cups large-curd cottage cheese
6 large egg yolks
1 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
1/2 cup candied fruit
1/2 cup raisins, Seedless
1/2 cup almonds, Toasted, Slivered
1/2 teaspoon lemon, rind of, Grated
1/2 lb butter, NO Margarine
3 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 large egg yolks
1/4 cup madeira wine
1/2 teaspoon lemon, rind of, Grated
3 tablespoons confectioners' sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon rum, Light

Steps:

  • NOTE: THIS IS A SPECIAL CAKE REQUIRING A NEW LARGE FLOWER POT 7 X 7-INCHES AT A MINIMUM.
  • Press the cheese through a sieve.
  • Combine the cheese with the egg yolks, beating in 1 yolk at a time.
  • Add the sugar and blend well.
  • Heat the cream in a large saucepan until it almost boils, then add the cheese mixture and cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens.
  • Remove from the heat before it begins to boil.
  • Stir in the fruits, almonds, and lemon rind.
  • Cool.
  • Cream together the butter and the vanilla, then stir into the cooled cheese mixture.
  • Line the flower pot with several layers of moistened cheesecloth, leaving enough cloth at the top to form a flap that will cover the pot.
  • Fill the pot with the cheese mixture and cover with the flap.
  • Put a weight on the top and place in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days.
  • The whey (liquid) will drip out the bottom of the pot, so be sure to place a pan under it.
  • When drained, carefully unmold the cake with a knife.
  • Remove the cheesecloth and smooth the sides with a hot knife.
  • Prepare the sauce.
  • Beat together the egg yolks, sugar, Madeira, and lemon rind in the top of a double boiler.
  • Cook and continue beating until the mixture thickens.
  • Stir in the lemon juice and the rum, then chill briefly.
  • Pour the sauce over the cheesecake and serve.
  • NOTE: This very unusual cheesecake is a traditional Russian Easter dish.
  • In the old days, the custom was to decorate it with paper flowers or religious emblems and have the priest come by and bless it.
  • Back then, it was made in a special pyramid-shaped form, but you can make it in an ordinary red clay flower pot.
  • Visually, the effect is quite striking, and the drainage hole allows the excess whey to escape.
  • To make paskha, you will need a large flower pot and some cheesecloth.
  • The paskha will keep in the refrigerator for several weeks, but be sure to make it at least three days in advance.

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