Tiramisu is just one way to enjoy mascarpone cheese.
If you have ever eaten tiramisu, you have had mascarpone cheese. Mascarpone is an Italian cream cheese used in many Italian desserts, but the flavor is quite different from the stuff we spread on bagels. Mascarpone is less dense, and tastes more of cream than cheese. The cheese is made from the milk of cows that have been fed a specific diet of grass and flowers. Their diet has been credited for the sweet taste of the cheese.
Ricotta Cheese
Although mascarpone cheese is used in many desserts, many savory dishes call for the ingredient. If you can't afford or find mascarpone cheese, ricotta cheese can be used as a substitute in savory dishes. Ricotta has the same airy texture as mascarpone, and the same mild flavor. You can also use ricotta cheese in certain desserts instead of mascarpone. Cheesecake is one dessert where you may substitute ricotta for mascarpone, although the taste won't be as sweet.
Cream Cheese Substitute
Mascarpone cheese is a main ingredient in tiramisu, and it adds texture and creaminess to the rich dessert. If mascarpone is not available, you can create a cream cheese substitute using heavy cream and butter. Mix one 8 oz. package of softened cream with 1/4 cup of heavy cream and 2 tbsps. of softened butter in a bowl.
Sour Cream Substitute
Sour cream is another substitute for mascarpone, although, it should never be used alone because the texture is not dense enough and the taste is too sour for most recipes involving mascarpone. However, if you blend sour cream with cream cheese and heavy whipping cream, you will have a substitute that works. Blend a room temperature 16 oz. package of cream cheese with 1/3 cup sour cream, and 1/4 cup of heavy whipping cream. This smooth mixture can be used in any recipe that calls for mascarpone.
Tags: cream cheese, mascarpone cheese, cheese used, cheese used many, cream with, heavy cream, heavy whipping
