German Cheesecake

Take a step back into time with this old world-style sour cream and raisin cheesecake made with cottage cheese and baked in a pastry crust.

Recipe Ingredients:

Crust:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
4 tablespoons butter
1 large egg

Filling:
3 cups cottage cheese
1/2 cup cornstarch
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 cup granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1/2 teaspoon grated lemon peel
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup sour cream
1 cup raisins

Cooking Directions:

1. For Crust: In a large mixing bowl, blend together flour, sugar and baking powder. Cut in butter. Add egg and knead until well mixed. Divide the dough in half and use one-half to line the bottom of a greased 9-inch springform pan, the other half to line the sides. Chill.
2. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
3. For Filling: Press cottage cheese through a sieve.
4. Combine cornstarch and baking powder; set aside.
5. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, sugar, eggs, lemon peel and vanilla. Beat until smooth. Add the cornstarch mixture to the cottage cheese mixture and blend well. Stir in sour cream and raisins. Pour the cheese mixture into the prepared crust.
6. Bake 1 hour, or until done. The center will remain soft. Turn off the oven and with the door ajar allow the cake to cool to room temperature.

Makes 10 servings.