Country: Portugal Servings: Serves 12

Ingredients

• all-purpose flour – 2 cups / 240 g
• unsalted butter – 1/2 cup / 113 g
• water – 1/4 cup / 60 ml
• salt – 1/4 tsp / 1 g
• ricotta cheese – 2 cups / 500 g
• sugar – 1 1/2 cups / 300 g
• eggs – 3 large
• cinnamon – 1 tsp / 3 g
• lemon zest – 1 tsp / 2 g

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Add cubed butter and rub into the flour with fingers until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
3. Gradually add water and mix until a smooth dough forms. Wrap in plastic and chill for 30 minutes.
4. Roll out the dough on a floured surface and line a 12-cup muffin tin with it, trimming excess.
5. In another bowl, blend ricotta, sugar, eggs, cinnamon, and lemon zest until smooth.
6. Spoon the filling evenly into the pastry cups.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the tops are golden and slightly puffed.
8. Let cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Substitutions

• ricotta cheese -> cottage cheese
• unsalted butter -> margarine

Enhancements in the Next Evolution

• Add a hint of vanilla extract to the filling for additional flavor depth.
• Brush a mixture of egg yolk and milk on the pastry for a golden finish.
• Incorporate almond flour into the crust for a nuttier flavor.