Bougatsa

This takes a long time but is worth it.

• Ready In: 25 mins
• Serves: 8

Ingredients

• 1⁄2 lb cream cheese
• 1  lb  fresh ricotta cheese
• 1  lb  fresh large-curd cottage cheese
•  granulated sugar
• 1⁄2 teaspoon  grated nutmeg
• 18  sheets phyllo dough
• 1⁄2 cup butter, melted

Directions

1. Using an electric mixer, beat the cream cheese at high speed until light and fluffy.
2. Lower the speed and add the ricotta, cottage cheese, 1 1/2 tablespoons sugar, and the nutmeg.
3. Beat for 1 minute at high speed, then set aside while you prepare the phyllo.
4. Lay the phyllo flat on a table and keep covered with a damp towel over waxed paper or plastic wrap.
5. By stacking 4 sheets, form a base of 15 x 18 inches, brushing the top of each sheet with melted butter as you stack them.
6. Then lay 2 sheets at right angles over the center, using the "base" as a diamond, not a square, brushing the center of each with butter.
7. Divide the filling into 3 parts and spread one part over the phyllo to form a 7-inch square.
8. Set the rest of the filling aside.
9. Fold the top phyllo sheet over the cheese and brush with butter, and continue folding the phyllo over the cheese to make a square, brushing each time with butter.
10. With a wide spatula, lift the bougatsa and invert onto a cookie sheet.
11. Brush the top with butter and set aside.
12. Repeat with the remaining phyllo, filling until all 3 square pies are folded.
13. Bake in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes or until the phyllo puffs up and turns a golden chestnut color.
14. Cut into small squares and sprinkle with additional sugar.
15. Serve piping hot.