Paskha

Directions

Line paskha mold or clean 7 ½×5 inch plastic or unglazed flowerpot with drainage hole with 3 double-thickness of cheesecloth.

Place on wire rack set over cake pan.

Place ½ pound cottage cheese, the sugar and eggs in food processor or blender.

Whirl, scraping down side as necessary, until smooth.

Scrape into medium-size saucepan.

Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, for 6 minutes or until mixture almost somes to boiling or instant-read thermometer registers 150 degrees F.

Stir in vanilla extract.

Pour into large bowl to cool.

Working in 2 batches, add remaining cottage cheese, farmer’s cheese, jam, butter, lemon rind and food coloring, if using, to clean food processor or blender.

Whirl, scraping down side.

Whisk into bowl with cooked cheese mixture.

Stir in raisins, orange peel and almonds.

Pour into prepared mold.

Fold excess cheesecloth over top; cover with plastic wrap.

Place flat-bottomed plate or saucepan, slightly smaller than diameter of mold, on top to weight.

Refrigerate for 3 hours.

Weight top with two 23-ounce cans or heavy iron skillet.

Drain for 2 days in refrigerator or until center is firm.

Refrigerate up to 1 week.

Unmold and remove cheesecloth.

Decorate mold with candied fruits and almonds.

Slice into wedges and serve as cheesecake, or spread on Kulich.