Name: Paskha Cheese
Yield: Makes10 generous servings
Ingredients: 1/3 cup brandy; 1 cup loosely packed golden raisins (5 ounces); 2 pounds farmer cheese*; 2 hard-boiled large egg yolks (reserve whites for another use if desired); 1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, softened; 3/4 cup sugar; 1 cup sour cream; 2 teaspoons vanilla; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 cup chilled heavy cream; a wooden paskha cheese mold** or a clean 2-quart terra-cotta flowerpot with a drainage hole and a plate slightly smaller than top of pot; cheesecloth; 2 lb of weights such as large soup or vegetable cans

Image may contain Food Dessert Creme Cream Confectionery Sweets Cake Wedding Cake and Icing

Paskha CheeseAnna Williams

The sweetness and creaminess of this cheese celebrate the breaking of the traditional Russian dairy-free fast that precedes Easter and provide a nice contrast to the salty meats and bold flavors of the rest of the holiday menu.