METHOD

Cheesecake

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Butter the bottom and sides of a 9-inch springform pan.

2. Beat eggs in a large bowl with an electric mixer until foamy and light yellow. Add sugar and beat on medium speed until smooth. Add flour and beat until incorporated. Add Ricotta and whipped cream and beat until smooth. Add lemon juice, lemon zest, vanilla, and liqueur to Ricotta and stir gently until incorporated.

3. Pour mixture into pan, place on a rimmed baking sheet, and bake for 1 hour and 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.

4. Turn off oven and leave cheesecake in it to settle for 10 minutes. Remove from oven to cool completely.

5. Dust top of cheesecake with confectioners’ sugar. (This will be background for caramel flourish.)

Topping

1. Line a baking sheet with wax paper. Put granulated sugar in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly as sugar melts. It will bubble and begin to turn golden. When the liquid becomes deep golden, remove from stove.

2. Dip metal spoon into molten sugar and drizzle onto wax paper, forming letters or design. Let harden, then gently peel off paper and arrange on cheesecake.

3. If making ahead, cover, refrigerate, and bring to room temperature before serving.