Mascarpone

1. Pour cream into a metal bowl and place over a pan of simmering water. Heat until warm. Stir in cream of tartar; continue to heat and stir until the temperature reaches 180 degrees F (80 degrees C). Remove from heat.

2. Line a strainer or colander with cheesecloth and place over a bowl. Paper towels also seem to work well. Pour mixture into the strainer; let drain for several hours or overnight in the refrigerator. Spoon the resulting cheese into a clean container and use within one week. Store in the refrigerator.

Note

You may substitute 3 tablespoons of lemon juice for 1/2 teaspoon of cream of tartar. Using lemon juice will impart a lemony flavor.