Rasmalai

By Hester

Rasmalai, translated, means cream sauce. This is a dessert made of cottage cheese, cream sugar, and nuts. In India, the cheese is shaped into balls and soaked in cream after being cooked. Then it is chilled, garnished and served. This delicious version is a shortcut.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs. ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 pint half and half
• A pinch of saffron
• 1/4 tsp. cardomom seeds, finely crushed
• 1/2 cup blanced almonds, finely slivered
• 2 Tbsp. crushed green pistachios

Preparation

Step 1

Mix the cheese and sugar very well. Spread out on a deep 9 x 12 baking tray. Bake at 350F for 35 minutes or until it sets. It should not brown. Remove from oven. Cool at room temperature and cut into 2" squares. Place in a dessert bowl.

Mix the other ingredients, except the pistachios, well in separate dish. Pour over the squares. Decorate with pistachios.

Chill for 2 to 3 hours before serving.