MAKING RUSSIAN PASHKA IN A GARDEN POT

'Pashka is a word for Easter, served by Russian women to celebrate Easter.'

 

I remember as a child sitting in the huge hall behind the Russian church, gazing at all the Pashka laid out on display,all shapes and sizes,just waiting to be devoured.

My mother always made it in a flower pot and I too have followed this tradition.

This is my simple version of this dessert.Simple but delicious.If you are a lover of cheesecakes you will just love this recipe.

'Be warned though it is extremely rich'

 

It is meant to be eaten in small quantities with Russian sweet bread.

'And Most Of All Enjoy'

INGREDIENTS

1kg Cream Cheese (at room temperature)

3/4 Cup Sugar

100g Butter

1tsp Vanilla Essence

1/2 Cup Chopped Blanched Almonds(optional)

3/4 Cup Sultanas

3/4 Cup Cream

TOOLS

A mould to pour the mixture in I love using a new small plastic garden pot as it gives a great shape when set.You can use anything you desire in a similar shape.

You also need some soft clean cloth, cheesecloth is often used,but to make it really simple I simply use a clean tea towel.Run the cloth under cold water til wet then wring out all the water with your hand and use it to line your pot extending up the sides.

METHOD

1.With electric beaters beat the sugar and butter til well mixed

2.Add the cream cheese and beat til no lumps in the cheese remain.

3.Add vanilla essence

4.Add the cream and beat until it is a nice smooth cheesecake consistency(don't over whip with your enthusiasm)

5.Stir in the nuts and sultanas.

6.Spoon into the prepared mould.There should be enough cloth on top to wrap over the top of your Pashka so it is covered.

7.Put something heavy on the top and throw it in the fridge preferably overnight to set.

SERVING

On a clean plate simply take the Pashka from its mould removing the cloth,standing it on the plate.

* If desired you can either leave it plain or decorate with extra dried fruit and fruit peel.

Mmmmmmmmmm