Paskha Recipe - Traditional Belarusian Easter Dessert

Ingredients

• 2 lbs full-fat farmer's cheese (or well-drained ricotta)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup unsalted European-style butter, softened
• 1 cup superfine sugar
• 6 large egg yolks
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup golden raisins, soaked in hot water and drained
• 1/3 cup candied orange peel, finely diced
• 1/3 cup blanched almonds, toasted and chopped
• 1/4 cup dried apricots, finely diced
• 1 tablespoon vanilla bean paste
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Zest of 1 orange
• 2 tablespoons honey (preferably wildflower or acacia)
• 1 tablespoon vodka (optional, for flavor and preservation)
• 1/4 cup pistachios, chopped (for garnish)
• Edible flowers or gold leaf (for garnish, optional)