Fresh Strawberry Pashka

This cheesecake-in-a-pot is a traditional Easter dish in Russia.

Recipe Ingredients:

2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
2 cups (8 ounces) dry curd cottage cheese
1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
3 egg yolks
2 cups powdered sugar
1 (0.25-ounce) envelope unflavored gelatin, softened in 2 tablespoons cold water
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup whipping cream, whipped
1 cup sliced almonds
1 pint fresh strawberries, washed, hulled and drained
1 (2-quart) clay flowerpot, about 6-inches across top, washed well and thoroughly dried

Cooking Directions:

1. Beat together cream cheese, cottage cheese and butter in large bowl until creamy. Add egg yolks. Gradually beat in sugar.
2. Place gelatin over hot water to dissolve. Blend into cheese mixture. Fold in vanilla extract, whipped cream and almonds.
3. Slice strawberries and carefully fold into cheese mixture.
4. Line flowerpot with cheesecloth wrung out in cold water.
5. Spoon cheese mixture into pot, filling to brim. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
6. To unmold, place dessert plate over pot, inverting quickly. Gently lift off pot, pulling cheesecloth if necessary. Remove cheesecloth.
7. Garnish with gumdrops or fresh strawberries and almonds.
8. The pashka may be stored in the pot in the refrigerator up to 5 days.

Makes 12 servings.

Recipe provided courtesy of Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board, Inc.