Meli Pita (Honey Pie)

This is a traditional Greek Easter dessert, which is said to have originated on the island of Siphnos. The original pie combined delicious local honey with a special soft cheese made from sheep's milk.

Yield: 6 to 8 servings

Ingredients

Crust

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup softened butter
• 4 tablespoons cold water

Filling

• 1 pound ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup honey
• 4 eggs
• Grated rind of 1 lemon
• Cinnamon

Instructions

Crust

1. Sift the flour. Add the butter with a pastry cutter or fork. The mixture will be crumbly. Gradually add 4 tablespoons of cold water, stirring until the dough is smooth. Roll out on a floured board with a rolling pin. Lift the dough carefully into a 9-inch pie plate. Pat into place and trim the edges. Set aside.

Filling

1. Beat the ricotta cheese and honey together. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating after each addition.
2. Grate the lemon rind and stir it into the cheese mixture.
3. Pour the mixture into the pie crust.
4. Bake until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean, about 50 minutes. Cool.
5. Sprinkle with cinnamon.
6. Chill in the refrigerator.