Italian Cassata

Ingredients

• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 cup candied fruit, chopped
• 1/4 cup raisins
• 1 (9-inch) sponge cake, cut into slices
• 1/4 cup apricot jam

Directions

1. In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mix until blended.
2. Stir in the candied fruit and raisins.
3. Line a 9-inch springform pan with the sponge cake slices, overlapping them slightly.
4. Spread the ricotta mixture on top of the cake slices.
5. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
6. Heat the apricot jam in a small saucepan until it is melted and runny.
7. Spread the melted jam over the top of the cassata.
8. Serve chilled.

Interesting Facts

• Cassata is a traditional Italian dessert from the island of Sicily.
• Cassata is often served on special occasions such as weddings and baptisms.
• The traditional version of cassata is made with ricotta cheese, candied fruit and sponge cake.