What is Mascarpone Cheese?

If you’re not sure what mascarpone cheese is, you might be surprised to know you’ve eaten it more often than you think. It is the creamy, smooth cheese you find in cheese cakes and Tiramisu. Its rich taste has been a favorite of pastry chefs for decades, but now you can make it at home too. Because it complements a wide range of foods, you can serve it with appetizers and desserts to impress your guests.

What is Mascarpone Cheese?

Mascarpone cheese reigns from Italy in the Lombardy region. It is made from cow’s milk, although homemade versions can use cream. It has a sweet, milky taste that most enjoy. Some manufacturers also add a tangy finish to add a twist to the flavor. It is made by adding citric or acetic acid to cow’s milk.

What is Mascarpone Cheese Used For?

The most common use of mascarpone cheese is for Tiramisu. However, it can also be used in sweet treats like cheese cakes, pudding, tarts and hot cocoa. Apart from desserts, it can also be served with fruit and pies, or eaten alone. Creamy with a buttery consistency, it is used to prepare many desserts but can also be served with main meals and appetizers.

What is Mascarpone Cheese Nutritional Information?

Most people like mascarpone cheese for its taste, but it also has a couple of nutrients that are beneficial. It contains a small amount of calcium, vitamin A and sodium. Calcium strengthens bone and Vitamin A improves vision among many other functions. It also provides 300 milligrams of sodium. Those suffering from high blood pressure can eat mascarpone without worrying about their daily intake.

What is Mascarpone Cheese’s Effect on Weight?

If you are watching your weight, it is best to keep consumption to a minimum. It has a high fat content, most of which is saturated. Saturated fat is not healthy and should be replaced with the unsaturated kind. Two tablespoons can add 120 calories to your daily intake. If you want to make desserts using mascarpone cheese, add it by the tablespoon so you can manage your calories better.

How to Make Mascarpone Cheese at Home

There are hundreds of recipes available, but the simplest one uses cream. Take 2 cups of heavy cream and heat it over low heat until it reaches 190 F. Stir in a tablespoon of lemon juice and allow to cook for another 5 minutes. Remove cream from heat to cool and pour it into a sieve. Refrigerate it for 8 to 12 hours and transfer it to a container. Seal the container tightly and store it in the fridge for no longer than 7 days.

What is Mascarpone Cheese’s Best Substitute?

If a recipe calls for mascarpone cheese and you don’t have any, you can use Ricotta cheese or cream cheese as substitutes. Ricotta is also an Italian cheese and shares the same sweet, milky taste mascarpone has. If Ricotta is too expensive, English clotted cream makes an economical option.

Many might not know what mascarpone cheese is by name, but millions consume it daily. From Tiramisu to cheese cakes, it is used in the most delicious desserts worldwide. Although it contains a healthy amount of calcium and vitamin A, dieters should always watch their intake because it can be fattening. Treat yourself, family and friends to a tasty appetizer, main meal or dessert by making this tasty, rich cheese at home.