"elaine" > wrote in message
...
> Could I substitute something else for this. It's very expensive!
>
> Oh, it is a topping for a soup.
>
> --
> elaine

Ok, here's the deal: You *can* substitute something else...for example, cream cheese
softened with a bit of fresh cream or sour cream or crème fraiche. The problem is,
although some substitutions can be sued in many recipes without much notice, I've
never found that the substitutes for mascarpone come very close. Some are close in
texture, but never quite as creamy, and none match the flavor.

The Von's near me has it for about $4 for an 8 ounce tub. Not as cheap as cream
cheese, I grant you. But there's really nothing that turns out as well so for me, and
I am really speaking only for me, it's worth the splurge, especially since I don't
use it that often. Even better, when I'm making something like tiramisu or something
that requires a larger amount, I am lucky enough to live 10 minutes from Little
Italy, where I can get the good stuff (imported from Italy) for about $9 for an 18oz
tub. Again, not cheap, but totally worth it to me.

kimberly