Glossary of food terms: M

Mascarpone

A thick, creamy, soft Italian cheese with a high fat content (40 per cent). It can be used in savoury and sweet dishes. It's good for stirring through savoury sauces to thicken and add a distinct rich flavour.

Serve it with fresh fruit, use it in cheesecakes, as a cake filling, or as a topping for desserts.

Mascarpone is an essential ingredient in the Italian coffee trifle tiramisu. It can be flavoured with various ingredients such as lemon or lime juice and zest, crushed nuts or dried fruits to add taste and texture.

• Tiramisu
• Apple cider cake with mascarpone
• Macerated Scottish berries with mascarpone sorbet