German Cheesecake

1/2 (1 stick) cup butter, melted
1 cup granulated sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon grated lemon rind

Filling:
4 eggs, separated
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 pound small curd cottage cheese
1 teaspoon grated lemon rind
4 tablespoons lemon juice
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Topping:
Sugar and ground almonds

For crust, combine ingredients and pat into a shallow springform pan.

For filling, put egg yolks and remaining ingredients, except egg whites and heavy cream, in blender container; process until well mixed.

Whip egg whites and cream. Fold into blender mixture. Pour into shell and bake at 350 degrees F for 1 hour.

Remove from oven and sprinkle with a mixture of sugar and ground almonds; return to oven for 10 minutes. Cool.

Refrigerate in pan until ready to unmold. Can be made the day ahead.