This pie has a lovely, creamy texture, and a refreshing taste from lemon juice and lemon rind stirred in. The filling is poured into a homemade crust, baked for an hour until set, and served with sweetened, sliced strawberries.
INGREDIENTS (for 8 servings):
- 1 1/2 pounds ricotta cheese
- 6 eggs, separated
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 6 tablespoons white sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest
PREPARATION:
To Make Shell: Combine the flour, 6 tablespoons white sugar, baking powder, salt and lemon zest. Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the milk and the 1 whole egg. Work dough until it forms a ball. Do not knead or over work the dough. Generously flour a work surface and roll dough out to fit into a 9 inch pie plate. Place dough in a greased pie plate. Poke holes in the center with the tines of a fork. Do not prebake.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Beat ricotta, yolks, and sugar until lemon colored. Add lemon juice, zest, and vanilla.
Beat whites until stiff, fold into lemon mixture. Pour mixture into the prepared shell. Do not over fill the shell, it rises slightly when baking.
Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 45 to 50 minutes. Let pie cool then refrigerate to set, the pie will become creamy and dense. Serve cold.