ITALIAN CHEESES RECIPES

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (205 degrees C). Grease and flour one 9 inch round springform or regular pan.
• Combine the ricotta, confectioners' sugar and eggs. Blend well. Stir in vanilla, almond extract, rum extract, lemon juice, lemon zest and orange zest. Beat by hand until smooth and creamy. Pour batter into the prepared pan.
• Bake at 400 degrees F (205 degrees C) for 40 minutes, until golden. Place on a rack and cool.

Steps:

• DOUGH: Mix together dough ingredients and knead for 10 minutes on a floured surface. Place in a plastic bag and refrigerate for 2 hours or overnight.
• CHEESE FILLING: Mix all ingredients together.
• TO ASSEMBLE: Roll dough on a well floured surface as you would for a pie crust, forming a large rectangle. Cut rectangle in half, forming 2 equal pieces. Using a teaspoon, drop mounds of dough approximately 3" apart. Dip fingers in water, and moisten squares where ravioli will be cut. Place second piece of dough on top. Press down with fingers where you just moistened, forming squares. Press firmly to seal well or they will lose their filling during cooking. Use a pastry wheel to cut long lines both vertically and horizontally, forming square ravioli.
• Place on a floured cookie sheet (or parchment lined) and let dry for 5-10 minutes. Drop into boiling, salted water until they rise for al dente, or until desired doneness. Top with your favorite sauce or a simple garlic/olive oil blend topped with freshly grated pepper and Parmesan shreds.