Sernik: The Classic Polish Cheesecake

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1. 1Step 1: Take the ingredients for the cheese layer out of the fridge 2-3 hours before baking; they should be at room temperature.
2. 2Step 2: In a large bowl, combine all the shortcrust ingredients. Chop the butter roughly with a knife, then knead until combined and no major lumps remain. Form a dough ball.
3. 3Step 3: Wrap the bowl with cling film and refrigerate for 20-30 minutes.
4. 4Step 4: Meanwhile, grind the farmer's cheese using a meat grinder (smallest holes), potato ricer, or blender. If using a meat grinder, grind at least 2 times until smooth and lump-free. Set aside.
5. 5Step 5: Preheat the oven to 360°F (180°C). Line a round baking tin (10 inch / 25cm diameter, loose base) with parchment paper and grease the edges.
6. 6Step 6: Remove the dough from the fridge. Roll it out to fit the tin, or press small chunks of dough into the pan with your fingers to form an even layer.
7. 7Step 7: Bake the crust for 15 minutes until lightly golden, then remove from the oven but keep the oven on.
8. 8Step 8: In a large bowl (2 quart / 2 litre), add 1 cup (200 g) sugar, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, and 3 egg yolks. Mix with an electric mixer for 3 minutes until combined.
9. 9Step 9: Add the ground cheese and softened butter to the bowl. If the cheese mass seems loose, add 2 tablespoons of potato starch. Mix again for 3-4 minutes.
10. 10Step 10: In a separate container, beat 5 egg whites until stiff (using a mixer or by hand).
11. 11Step 11: Gently fold the egg whites into the cheese mass with a spoon or spatula, being careful not to over-mix.
12. 12Step 12: Add 2 tablespoons of chopped candied orange peel and 2 tablespoons of raisins. Blend them in for a few seconds.
13. 13Step 13: Pour the cheese mass over the pre-baked crust. Bake for 60 minutes at 360°F (180°C) with fan-assisted functions switched off.
14. 14Step 14: When the time is up, turn off the heat but leave the cheesecake inside for another 30 minutes. Then open the oven slightly and leave the cake inside until the oven is completely cooled.
15. 15Step 15: Once cooled, sprinkle with powdered sugar.