Mascarpone Cheese

This Italian cream cheese is a native of the Lombardy region of Italy, which is also home to the fashion center of Milan and the town of Gorgonzola, or "blue cheese city", as we like to call it. The best-known use of this ultra-rich dairy product is in tiramisu, which means "pick me up" and is a delicate dessert made with mascarpone, liqueur, and coffee-soaked ladyfingers. It is also delicious straight: topped with fresh berries for a sweet treat, or in a savory spread when mixed with anchovies, mustard, and herbs. The distinction 'cream cheese' is only half correct regarding mascarpone. It is made from the cream of cow's milk, but no cheese starter or rennet is used in its production. Rather than being churned like butter, mascarpone is made by draining the moisture from heavy cream using a small amount of citric acid and finely woven cloth. The result is an extremely smooth, slightly sweet, fresh cheese that is similar to Devon Cream or Clotted Cream.

• Made from cow's milk.
• Suitable for Vegetarians.