The Italian rival to cheesecake, only so much richer, these pies made from a family recipe, blend creamy ricotta cheese with eggs, milk, cream, lemon zest, vanilla, and chopped candied cherries in a special holiday dessert.
Preparation Time
15 mins
Cooking Time
60 mins
Total Time
1 hr 15 mins
Calories
354 Calories
Recipe Instructions
Step 1
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Step 2
Beat the eggs, sugar, lemon zest, and vanilla together in a mixing bowl until light colored and fluffy, about 10 minutes. Pour in the milk and cream; continue beating to make a smooth mixture. Stir in the ricotta cheese and cherries until evenly blended. Pour into the pie shells.
Step 3
Bake in preheated oven for 10 minutes. Reduce heat to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C), and bake until set, about 50 minutes more. Cool on racks. When pies are completely cool, dust with confectioners' sugar, and decorate by placing 1 whole cherry in the center of each pie.
Ingredients
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon lemon zest
1 cup milk
¾ cup white sugar
8 eggs
2 (9 inch) unbaked pie crusts
confectioners' sugar for dusting
1 cup finely chopped red and green candied cherries
