Pascha Cheese - cooking recipe

Ingredients

5 lbs ricotta cheese
3 cups heavy cream, whipped
1 2/3 cups softened butter
2 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
1 vanilla bean
3 3/4 cups sugar
flavored extract (optional) or fruit, of your choice (optional)

Preparation

Whip cream and set aside. Cream butter and sugar thoroughly. Slit the vanilla bean lengthwise and scrape out the seeds. Add the seeds and the vanilla and mix well. Add the cheese and beat until mixture is smooth without any curds showing. Fold in the whipped ceam. Line a large Pascha cheese mold or clean flower pot with cheesecloth and drain mixture for a couple of days, but at least overnight. Flavor however you like using orange zest, strawberries, or other extracts.