Easy
8
or morePublished 1999
Real cheesecake has virtually disappeared from Britain, although to be truthful it was only here as an exotic import in two guises: firstly as a Jewish speciality from middle Europe and, in sub Sara Lee quality, as an adjunct to the great hamburger invasion of the early 1970s. Some of Soho’s Jewish cafés and restaurants did serve a decent home-made cheesecake often as a once-a-week-only special. However, by the mid-1970s, these had all but gone, replaced by really nasty, mass-produced horrors.
Mix the ricotta, mascarpone, lemon juice, cream, eggs and sugar by hand until smooth. Leave for an hour and then stir.
Melt the butter and lightly brush a
Place the prepared cake tin on the pulled-out oven shelf, and pour in the filling mixture.
The cake must not be unmoulded and served until it has firmed up; this happens as it cools, and you should allow at least 4 hours before attempting to cut a slice. I prefer this cake when it has never been in the fridge, but it is perfectly kosher to chill it. Indeed some authorities claim it tastes better if kept cool for a day or two before serving.
© 1999 Alastair Little. All rights reserved.