Torta di ricotta has appeared at Italian family holiday gatherings for generations. Lighter than cheesecake, it’s creamy with a hint of orange and cinnamon. No matter how you slice it, it will contribute to a buon natale!
Draining Time: Overnight
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Baking Time: 1 hour and 25 minutes
Chilling Time: 4 hours or overnight
Serves 16
2 containers (475 g each) extra smooth Ontario Ricotta Cheese
1 package (200 g) amaretti cookies
2 tbsp (25 mL) melted butter
2/3 cup (150 mL) granulated sugar
1/4 cup (50 mL) all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp (2 mL) salt
1/4 tsp (1 mL) ground cinnamon
Finely grated rind of 1 large orange
1 pkg (250 g) brick cream cheese,at room temperature
4 Ontario Eggs
2 tsp (10 mL) vanilla
Garnish:
5 crushed amaretti cookies
Spoon ricotta into large fine mesh strainer set over large bowl; cover and refrigerate overnight. Drain liquid and discard.
In food processor, process cookies (reserving 5 for garnish), until fine crumbs. Measure out 1-1/4 cups (300 mL) crumbs; transfer to medium bowl. Stir in melted butter until crumbs are evenly coated. Spray 9-inch (23 cm) springform pan with nonstick spray. Press crumbs evenly over pan bottom. Bake in 325°F (160°C) oven for 10 minutes.
Meanwhile, in medium bowl, combine sugar, flour, salt, cinnamon and orange rind. In large bowl, using electric mixer, beat together cream cheese, eggs and vanilla until smooth, about 2 minutes. Slowly beat in flour mixture just until combined. On low speed, gradually beat in drained ricotta until smooth. Pour over hot crust; smooth top.
Place pan on rimmed baking sheet. Place in oven. Set loaf pan, half filled with water, beside pan. Bake for 1-1/4 hours or until filling is set in the centre. Remove from oven and immediately run a knife around edge of pan. Place on rack to cool completely. Don’t remove ring from pan until just before serving. Cover and refrigerate until cold, about 4 hours or up to 3 days. Before serving, garnish with crushed cookies or dust with icing sugar.
Nutritional Information:
1 Serving
PROTEIN: 10 grams
FAT: 14 grams
CARBOHYDRATE: 27 grams
CALORIES: 274
FIBRE: 0 grams
SODIUM: 215 mg
– Printed with permission from Foodland Ontario
