Torta di Formaggio

Description
Cheesecake without a crust
 * Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group
 * Source: Taste of Italia
 * Makes 8 servings

Ingredients

 * 2½ lbs fresh ricotta
 * 5 eggs
 * 1½ cups sugar
 * 1 tsp finely grated lemon zest
 * ½ of a vanilla bean, pod scraped out
 * 1 tbsp brandy

Directions

 * 1) Preheat oven to 400°F.
 * 2) Process the ricotta until it is smooth.
 * 3) Beat the eggs, sugar and other ingredients until well blended.
 * 4) Add this slowly to the ricotta.
 * 5) Butter a spring-form pan and line the bottom of it with parchment paper.
 * 6) Pour the filling into it and place it in the oven.
 * 7) Immediately reduce the oven to 350°F.
 * 8) Bake 30 minutes.
 * 9) The cake will still be soft in the middle.
 * 10) Turn off the oven and leave the cake in the oven 15 minutes.
 * 11) Open the door and let the cake sit in the opened oven 15 minutes longer.
 * 12) This may be served warm.