Citrus-Ricotta Cheesecake

Stir together cookie crumbs, melted butter, and 1/4 cup sugar in a medium bowl. Press crumb mixture firmly onto bottom and up 1 inch on sides of an 8-inch square or 9-inch round springform pan; set aside.

Sprinkle gelatin over 1/4 cup warm water in a small bowl. Let stand 7 minutes to soften. Stir until gelatin is dissolved; set aside. Beat cream with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form; set aside.

Put egg yolks and remaining 1/2 cup sugar in a medium bowl. Scrape in vanilla seeds; whisk until mixture is pale and thick, about 2 minutes. Add ricotta, zests, lemon juice, salt, and gelatin mixture; gently stir until smooth. Set aside.

Beat egg whites in a clean mixing bowl until they hold stiff peaks. Gently fold whipped cream and then whites with a rubber spatula into ricotta mixture.

Pour filling over crust. Refrigerate, uncovered, 3 hours or overnight. Before unmolding, run a knife around edge of cake. Serve with citrus-vanilla compote.