Baked Ricotta Cheese

When ricotta cheese is baked, its flavor deepens and its texture becomes firmer almost like an Italian cheesecake. This recipe can be made will whole milk or low-fat ricotta, if you use the low-fat kind, some liquid (whey) will come out during cooking, but will be reabsorbed as the ricotta cools. Serve this dish slightly warm or at room temperature,maybe with some fresh fruit, and sliced into wedges.
One pound, ricotta cheese serves at least four.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
Lightly spray a 9-inch pie pan with nonstick spray or brush the pan with olive oil.
Place the ricotta cheese in the pan, and spread it to make a circle about 6-inches in diameter (not quite as wide as the pan) and about 1/2 inch thick.
Bake the ricotta in the center of the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the edges turn a light golden brown, and the top is firm to the touch. The top will be just beginning to color lightly. Remove the cheese from the oven and allow to cool for at least 15 minutes, Serve slightly warm or at room temperature.