PASKHA (RUSSIAN CHEESECAKE)

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.