Quark Cake

Directions

1. 1
   This is my grandmother's recipe. I think it's a traditional Dutch desert, but I could be wrong. It looks very similar to a cheesecake but tastes quite different.
2. 2
   My grandmother's original method is very imprecise, so the measurements quoted above are approximations.
3. 3
   1. Line a Springform pan with plastic wrap.
4. 4
   2. Fill the bottom with a layer of ladyfinger cookies, sugar side down. Optional - drizzle apricot brandy over cookies.
5. 5
   3. Mix 1 1/2 Tablespoons of gelatin (1 1/2 packets) with 1/4 cup of the liquid drained from the can of mandarin oranges and 1/4 cup of boiling water. Stir continuously until dissolved. Set aside.
6. 6
   4. Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla and 2 teaspoons of sugar to the whipping cream. Beat, starting on low and moving to high, until stiff. Set aside.
7. 7
   5. Add the quark to a bowl. Add the remaining vanilla and sugar. Transfer the mixer from the whipping cream without cleaning it off and beat the quark mixture.
8. 8
   6. Add gelatin and whipped cream mixtures to the quark mixture and beat until smooth.
9. 9
   7. Taste and adjust sugar as needed. I like this a little sour. The cookies and orange slices will add some sweetness to the finished cake.
10. 10
    8. Spoon quark mixture over cookie base. Top with drained mandarin oranges.
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    9. Cover and chill in refrigerator for at least one hour. Cut into slices and serve.