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| Chicken Mascarpone |
If you have never had the soft Italian cheese known as Mascarpone, you might not want to miss out on its creamy, delicate flavor and texture as it may just become one of your new favorites. Rather mild in flavor, Mascarpone is a curd cheese that is made from cows' milk somewhat similar to the process used for creating yogurt. After cultures are added and the mixture is heated, the cheese matures slightly and then thickens resulting in a creamy, yellowish cheese. Mascarpone is a primary ingredient in the rich, popular dessert tiramisu and it can also be found in tasty cheesecakes, in ice cream, or as a filling for other sweet desserts. Besides desserts, Mascarpone cheese is also sometimes used as a substitute for butter and to thicken risottos. You can also use Mascarpone cheese in soups, stews, and pasta sauces for adding thickness and a rich flavor. You will want to use Mascarpone cheese soon after buying it as it has a rather short shelf life and only stays fresh for a day or two. If you do not have any Mascarpone on hand, you have a few options to use as a substitute. Combine eight ounces of softened cream cheese with a quarter cup whipping cream, or if you prefer a slightly tarter taste, only use an eighth of a cup of whipping cream with an equal amount of sour cream. Some chefs prefer eight ounces of cream cheese with a quarter cup butter and a quarter cup whipping cream. Experiment with the different ways of making a substitute for Mascarpone cheese until you find the one you like best.
