Cheesecake alle Mandorle (Almond Cheesecake)

Ingredients:
For the crust:
200g digestive biscuits or graham crackers
100g melted butter
50g ground almonds (optional for extra almond flavor)
For the filling:
600g cream cheese (room temperature)
200g ricotta cheese (optional, for a lighter texture)
200g sugar
3 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
150g ground almonds
Zest of 1 lemon
100g sliced almonds (for topping)
Directions:
Prepare the crust: