Want to eat something authentic for Thanksgiving? Here is a recipe for a beloved 17th century dessert.
Plimoth Plantation 17th Century Cheesecake
Plimoth Plantation, Plymouth, Mass.
This popular 17th century dessert was discovered by Plimoth Plantation food historians and updated by Executive Chef Kenny Randall. The secret to this flavorful dish: Ricotta cheese.
CRUST
Ingredients
2/3 cup unbleached white flour
2/3 cup whole wheat flour
10 tablespoons butter
1 egg white
1/4 to 1/2 cup ice water
Directions
1. Place white and whole wheat flours in a large bowl. Mix in butter with a pastry fork.
2. When butter is well blended, work in egg white with enough ice water so that you form pastry dough.
3. Roll out pastry dough until it is 1/4 inch thick, and carefully press it into a 9-inch round springform pan.
FILLING
Ingredients
1/4 cup of almonds
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 egg yolk
1 pound fresh ricotta cheese
1/2 cup cream
1/2 teaspoon rosewater (available at pharmacies)
1/2 cup dried currants
Directions
1. Use a food processor to grind almonds finely. Put them in a large bowl.
2. Add butter and sugar, and work in until smooth.
3. Put in nutmeg, salt, and egg yolk.
4. When thoroughly combined, add ricotta cheese, then cream and rose water. Keep mixing just until well blended.
5. Stir in currants.
CHEESECAKE ASSEMBLY...
1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
2. Spoon filling into crust and bake until filling is just set, approximately 60 to 70 minutes.
3. Allow to cool for an hour before serving.
I can't imagine cooking dinner in this oven!