Bushra Griffith
Mascarpone cheese is a soft Italian cheese that is similar to cream cheese. It is a very versatile ingredient that can be used in both savoury and sweet dishes. Mascarpone has a high fat content, which makes it ideal for creating rich and creamy dishes such as pasta sauces, mac and cheese, and cheesecakes. It is also a key ingredient in the classic Italian dessert, tiramisu, and can be used to enrich other Italian dishes like Chicken Marsala and risotto. For a quick snack, it can be spread on crackers or bread, or used as a dip with fruit.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Texture | Thick, tangy, creamy, soft, mellow, smooth, rich, silky, fluffy, airy |
| Taste | Sweet, tangy |
| Use cases | Desserts, appetizers, main dishes, pasta sauces, lasagna, mac and cheese, tiramisu, cheesecakes, cannoli, frosting, mousses, pies, tarts, cakes, cookies, bread, crackers, toast, fillings |
| Substitutes | Cream cheese, ricotta, cottage cheese |
| Fat content | 60-75% |
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What You'll Learn
Mascarpone as a spread
Mascarpone cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in both sweet and savoury dishes. It is an ivory-coloured Italian cream cheese with a rich, buttery texture and a slightly sweet and milky flavour. Mascarpone has a high-fat content, which gives it a smoother and creamier texture than American cream cheese. This makes it perfect for using as a spread on bread, bagels, and toast.
When using mascarpone as a spread, you can flavour it with a variety of ingredients. For a savoury option, mix in some salt, sliced tomatoes, grilled vegetables, or fresh herbs and garlic. You can also use it as a bagel spread, adding a dollop of mascarpone to your bagel and topping it with sliced fruits or honey.
For a sweeter spread, you can mix in some sugar and vanilla, and spread it on toast before topping with fresh fruit. Another option is to make a chocolate mascarpone spread by whipping the mascarpone with Nutella. This can be used as a filling for a chocolate cookie crumb pie shell.
Mascarpone can also be used as a simple spread on crostini, topped with toasted nuts and sliced figs, or other fresh berries and simple cookies.
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Mascarpone in baking
Mascarpone cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in both sweet and savoury dishes. It is an Italian cream cheese with a rich, creamy texture and a hint of sweetness. Here are some ways you can use mascarpone cheese in baking:
Cheesecakes
Mascarpone cheese is an excellent alternative to traditional cream cheese in cheesecakes. It adds a creamy texture and a hint of sweetness to the dessert. You can also mix it with other cheeses, such as ricotta or goat cheese, to create a unique flavour profile.
Tiramisu
Tiramisu is a classic Italian dessert that commonly uses mascarpone cheese. It adds a rich and creamy dimension to the dessert. You can also experiment with different variations, such as a pumpkin tiramisu.
Frosting and Fillings
Mascarpone cheese can be used to make a decadent and creamy frosting for cakes and cupcakes. Its stability and smooth texture make it ideal for filling and frosting cakes. It can also be used as a topping or garnish for pies and fresh fruit.
Pies and Tarts
Mascarpone cheese can be used as a filling for pies and tarts, adding a creamy and indulgent touch. You can experiment with different flavours, such as a chocolate cookie crumb shell or a rhubarb and candied ginger crostata.
Pastries and Desserts
Mascarpone cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of pastries and desserts. It can be whipped and used as a filling for pastries, such as ravioli or galettes. It can also be used to make desserts like parfaits, mousse, or even a frozen dessert similar to ice cream cake.
Mascarpone cheese is a great ingredient to experiment with in the kitchen, adding a creamy and indulgent touch to your baked goods.
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Mascarpone in pasta
Mascarpone cheese is a great ingredient to use in pasta, adding a creamy texture and subtle flavour. Its high fat content means it melts beautifully into sauces, creating a silky smooth consistency. Here are some tips and recipe ideas for using mascarpone in pasta:
Creamy Tomato Mascarpone Pasta
For a simple, yet delicious pasta dish, combine mascarpone with fresh tomatoes. This classic combination creates a wonderfully creamy and fresh-tasting sauce. Start by cooking down some good quality, ripe tomatoes with garlic. Add mixed herbs, salt, pepper, and sugar to taste. Then, stir in fresh basil and a generous amount of mascarpone cheese. Cook your pasta of choice until al dente, drain, and then add it to the sauce. Toss gently until the pasta is coated. Serve with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a side of crusty bread to soak up any leftover sauce.
Mascarpone Mac & Cheese
Mascarpone is a superstar ingredient for macaroni and cheese, creating a thick and creamy sauce without the need for a roux. Simply melt the mascarpone into the pasta with a bit of milk to thin it out, and then add your choice of cheese. For a healthier twist, mix in some peas, spinach, or roasted vegetables. To make it gourmet, try adding truffle oil, herby breadcrumbs, wild mushrooms, or blue cheese.
Creamy Mushroom Mascarpone Pasta
For a savoury vegetarian option, try a creamy mushroom mascarpone pasta. Sauté baby bella or cremini mushrooms in olive oil until they are deep in colour and fragrant. Add plenty of garlic for flavour, along with heavy cream and mascarpone cheese. Stir in grated parmesan cheese and let it simmer until thickened. Cook your pasta of choice, such as tagliatelle, until al dente, and then combine with the sauce.
White Wine Mascarpone Pasta
For a more indulgent option, pair mascarpone with white wine and parmesan to create a rich and creamy sauce. Simmer white wine, garlic, and lemon zest over medium heat. Add mascarpone and stir until melted. Remove from heat and sprinkle in parmesan, salt, and pepper. Toss with freshly cooked pasta and adjust seasoning to taste. Thicken the sauce with a bit of pasta cooking water if needed.
Tips for Using Mascarpone in Pasta:
- Use room temperature mascarpone to ensure it mixes smoothly into the sauce.
- Reserve some pasta cooking water to thin out the sauce and help it coat the pasta.
- Choose a sturdy pasta shape like tagliatelle, fettuccine, or linguine to stand up to creamy sauces.
- For a lighter meal, serve creamy pasta dishes with a fresh side like a green salad or roasted vegetables.
- Mascarpone is very versatile, so feel free to experiment with different combinations of ingredients and seasonings.
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Mascarpone in desserts
Mascarpone is a thick, creamy, soft Italian cheese with a high fat content. It is a versatile ingredient that can be used in both sweet and savoury recipes. When it comes to desserts, mascarpone is a fantastic option for creating rich and indulgent treats.
One of the most popular ways to use mascarpone in desserts is to make tiramisu. This classic Italian dessert is made with layers of mascarpone, coffee, ladyfingers or sponge cake, and cocoa. It is often made ahead of time to allow the flavours to meld together. Mascarpone is also a key ingredient in other layered desserts, such as trifles, parfaits and cheesecakes. Its creamy texture and subtle sweetness make it ideal for these types of desserts.
Mascarpone can also be used as a cake or pie filling. It can be whipped and sweetened to create a light and fluffy filling or frosting for cakes and cupcakes. For a simple dessert, mascarpone can be served with fresh fruit or grilled zucchini bread. It can also be used as a topping for desserts, such as fruit crumbles or pies.
For a more indulgent option, mascarpone can be made into a rich cream or frosting. This can be done by whipping mascarpone with cream, sugar, and vanilla to create a dense and creamy topping for cakes, cupcakes, or pies. It can also be used as a filling for chocolate truffles or cookies. Mascarpone cream is a traditional Italian dessert, often served with Christmas cake or panettone. It can be flavoured with rum, eggs, or cocoa powder to create a decadent treat.
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Making your own mascarpone
First, squeeze the juice of half a lemon (about 7 ml or 1-1.5 teaspoons) into a bowl and set aside. If you are using citric acid, dissolve it in 5 ml (1 teaspoon) of warm water. Next, pour 500 ml of heavy cream (also known as whipping cream) with a fat content of 30-40% into a small saucepan and place over low heat. Stir continuously to prevent the cream from burning and to encourage even heating. Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature, bringing it to between 82°C and 88°C (180°F and 190°F).
Once the cream reaches the correct temperature, turn off the heat and add the lemon juice (or citric acid). Stir the mixture for about 3 minutes. You will notice that the cream starts to thicken. Cover the saucepan and let it sit at room temperature for about an hour. Meanwhile, line a strainer with several layers of cheesecloth and place it over a bowl.
After the mixture has cooled, pour it into the prepared strainer. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for 8 hours or overnight. The mascarpone cheese is now ready to be used! Homemade mascarpone should be stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator and will last for 2-4 days. It is not recommended to freeze mascarpone as it can lose its creamy texture and flavour.
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Frequently asked questions
Mascarpone cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in both sweet and savoury dishes. It is a soft Italian cheese, similar to cream cheese, that can be used as a spread or in cooking.
Yes, mascarpone cheese is commonly used in desserts such as tiramisu, cheesecakes, and ice cream cakes. It can also be whipped and used as a filling for crepes or stuffed French toast.
Absolutely! Mascarpone cheese can be used to make a creamy sauce for pasta, macaroni and cheese, or risotto. It can also be added to scrambled eggs, soups, or used as a spread on crackers or toast.
Mascarpone cheese can be used in a variety of unique ways, such as in a lobster-filled zucchini blossom appetizer, a mascarpone-enriched polenta dish, or even in a savoury carrot puree pizza base.
Yes, mascarpone cheese can be easily made at home with just a few simple ingredients like heavy cream and lemon juice. The process involves heating the cream, adding an acid like lemon juice, and then letting the mixture thicken in the fridge.
