1. Preheat oven to 360 F. 2. Melt butter. 3. Wrap the bottom and outer sides of the springform with aluminum foil to prevent leakage. Butter inner side of the springform with melted butter. 4. Grate zest of one lemon. 5. In a large bowl: combine ricotta, cream cheese, sour cream, sugar, and eggs. Mix about 2 min on slow-medium speed of mixer or using spatula. We need just combine a little bit all this ingredients. Add flour and lemon zest. Mix 1 min. Add vanilla extract and remaining. Mix well and beat 20 minutes on medium-high speed. 6. Pour cheesecake mixture into springform. Bake 1 hour or until light golden-brown color on medium level of the oven. Check cheesecake thru the oven window. Do not open the oven! 7. Turn off the oven. Do not open the oven. Let cheesecake slowly cool in the oven. About 2 hours. 8. Using a knife, gently run around the edge of the cheesecake to make easier to remove the side of the springform. 9. Place the cheesecake to the refrigerator overnight, or minimum on 4 hours. SERVING IDEAS: - Spread or drizzle lingonberry jam (as o a picture) or any you favorite jam over the top just before serving. - Add a light dusting of powdered sugar for a simple, elegant finish. - Serve with fresh berries for extra freshness and color. - Pair with a cup of coffee or tea for a classic dessert experience. - Add a dollop of whipped cream for a more indulgent presentation. - Garnish with thin lemon zest strips to highlight the citrus notes.

   1. Warm 1 cup of milk (about 104 F (40 C)). Mix yeast, warm milk, 1/2 cup of sugar. Cover with plastic wrap or a damp cloth and let it sit for 10–15 minutes until foamy. 2. In a large bowl, mix yeast mixture, 2 egg yolks and 1 spoon of vanilla extract. Sift half of flour and mix. Add the remaining flour and salt. Knead the dough by hand or with a mixer fitted with a dough hook (about 5 minutes). Let the dough rest for 10 minutes. Add pieces of softened butter. Knead the dough until smooth and elastic (about 10 minutes). 3. Cover with plastic wrap or a damp cloth and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour. 4. Drain any excess water from the ricotta cheese, if there is any. Mix ricotta, lemon zest, lemon juice, 1 egg yolk, 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 1/4 cup of sugar, and raisins (if using) until smooth. 5. Grease the baking pan with butter (I use round baking pan.). 6. Lightly flour the surface for rolling out the dough. Divide the dough into 2 parts. Form balls. Roll each ball into a circle about 0.5 inches (about 1.5 cm) thick – slightly larger in diameter than your baking pan. Place the filling on one circle, distributing it evenly over the entire surface of the circle, leaving an edge of about 0.5 inches (1.3 cm) without filling. Cover with the second circle. Pinch the edges together very well and carefully place the dough into the baking pan. 7. This step can be skipped, but it will make the pastry look more beautiful. Place a glass in the center of the dough and press it down slightly. This will be the center of the flower. Mentally divide the dough around the center into 8 petals. Using scissors, cut one petal from both sides, without cutting all the way to the glass, and twist it twice. Repeat this with all the petals. 8. Cover with plastic wrap or a damp cloth and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour. Let the dough rise to double its size in a warm place (about 40 minutes). 9. Mix 1/2 cup of flour, 2 tablespoons of sugar and 2 tablespoons of butter until crumbly. 10. Mix 1 egg and 2 tablespoons of milk or water. 11. Preheat oven to 375°F (175°C). 12. Brush the top of babka with the egg mixture. Brush the top of the cake with the egg mixture. Sprinkle with crumbs and nuts (if using). 13. Bake for 35–40 minutes until golden brown. 14. Let cool before slicing. Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with glaze if desired.