All About Mascarpone Cheese

What is Mascarpone?

First of all, mascarpone is a fresh cow's milk cheese that is classified as triple cream.  It's very rich because of its 60% to 75% milk fat content. Mascarpone has a soft texture like cream cheese, making it spreadable.

It is whitish to straw yellow in color and, when fresh, smells like milk and cream. It tastes sweet and slightly tart at the same time.

If you have heard of mascarpone, most likely it was associated with Tiramisu, an Italian dessert made with espresso that translates as "pick-me-up".  But mascarpone is used in many other recipes, including sauces, mixing it with ingredients like mustard or anchovies and spreading on bread. It's also tasty all alone, topped with fresh berries.

Origin

It is believed that mascarpone originated in Italy, just south and west of Milan, in an area near Lodi in the late 16th or early 17th century. There are many tales of how it was named, but I like that it came from the word "mascara," a local dialect for the word ricotta. Both cheeses are made the same way.

How is it made?

Mascarpone is made with heavy cream (although I have seen recipes using light cream) and tartaric acid. Tartaric acid is found in the sediment of fermented wine.  The cream is heated to 185 degrees Fahrenheit, tartaric acid is dissolved in water, then added, and the cream will immediately begin to thicken.

The curds are strained through fine cheesecloth and allowed to drain for 12 to 24 hours until the curds become Mascarpone.

Mascarpone is sold right after it is made and only has a one-week shelf life, which is one reason it is so hard to find in your supermarkets.

Can you make it yourself?

Sure, but I'm not sure you want to go to the effort unless you like to make things from scratch. If you search Google for mascarpone recipes, you will find a few that you may want to try.

I also read that you can purchase a Mascarpone Kit from the New England Cheesemaking Supply Company that comes with recipe booklet and the cheesecloth, dairy thermometer and tartaric acid you'll need.

How is mascarpone cheese used in cooking?

Mascarpone cheese is a creamy, rich Italian cheese often used in sweet and savory dishes. Its luxurious texture and mild, slightly sweet flavor make it a versatile ingredient that can enhance a wide range of recipes. Here are some common ways mascarpone cheese is used:

1. Desserts: Mascarpone is frequently used in desserts due to its creamy texture and rich flavor. It is a key ingredient in classic Italian desserts like tiramisu, where it is combined with espresso-soaked ladyfingers and cocoa powder to create a luscious and indulgent dessert. Mascarpone can also be used in cheesecakes, mousses, and frostings to add creaminess and depth of flavor.
2. Sauces and spreads: Mascarpone cheese can be used to make creamy sauces and spreads for pasta, risotto, and other dishes. It can be melted into a sauce to add richness and creaminess or mixed with herbs, spices, and other ingredients to create flavorful spreads for bread, crackers, and sandwiches.
3. Breakfast dishes: Mascarpone cheese can be used as a topping or filling for breakfast dishes like pancakes, waffles, and French toast. Its creamy texture and sweet flavor pair well with fruits, syrups, and other breakfast ingredients, adding a touch of indulgence to morning meals.
4. Appetizers and snacks: Mascarpone cheese can be spread on crostini or crackers and topped with fruits, nuts, or honey for a simple and elegant appetizer. It can also be used as a filling for stuffed mushrooms, peppers, or other bite-sized snacks.

What about substitutes?

As I said in my reply to the questionnaire, fresh mascarpone is the only true substitute for texture and taste, but there are a few alternatives.

You can try substituting equal amounts of fresh cream cheese and sour cream, or combining ricotta cheese with heavy cream. Again, if you search for "mascarpone substitutes," you'll find a bunch of recipes.

Where can you find it?

Because of its short shelf life, you may not be able to find mascarpone in your local supermarket. If you have a specialty market around, there's a much better possibility you'll find it. Places like Trader Joe's and Whole Foods usually have it in stock.

I've also seen it in cheese shops and Italian markets, but you can always order it online if none of these establishments are near you.

Don't mispronounce it.

The most common mistake when discussing mascarpone is pronouncing it "marscapone" with the r before the s. I know; I've spelled it that way several times in this blog before returning to fix it.