Tiramisu
Mascarpone is a delicately flavored, unsalted cow's milk cheese, rich like butter but smooth like clotted cream. This versatile Italian cheese is easily spread and blended with other flavors. Sometimes sold sweetened and flavored with chocolate or coffee to be eaten as a dessert, mascarpone's subtle flavor is most easily enjoyed with little embellishment. Cooks use it in both sweet and savory dishes.
Instructions
1. Use mascarpone in tiramisu. This Venetian dessert of sponge fingers is soaked in coffee and rum before layered with mascarpone and lightly dusted with fine chocolate.
2. Substitute mascarpone for butter, cheese and cream (sour and heavy) to thicken risotto, stroganoff or a Paprikás. It is a great way to make a dish extra creamy without greatly affecting the flavor.
3. Find recipes using mascarpone in cheesecakes, ice cream, cake filling and other fancy desserts.
4. Spread plain mascarpone on a slice of toast and drizzle with honey or add a dollop of preserves.
5. Mix mascarpone, as the Italians are prone to do, with anchovies, mustard and herbs.
6. Serve with fresh fruit like berries, pears or figs to enjoy mascarpone's natural, delicate flavor.
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