I came across this the other day and think that it may solve your mascarpone cheese problem in the future. It seems pretty easy, but I have not yet tried it!! Best of luck.
R

Mascarpone
source adapted from Homemade Mascarpone Cheese by Baking Obsession

Makes about 12 ounces

Ingredients
2 cups (1 pint) of whipping cream – 36% pasteurized (not ultra-pasteurized), preferably organic cream
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Directions
Bring 1 inch of water to a boil in a wide skillet. Reduce the heat to medium-low so the water is barely simmering. Pour the cream into a medium heat-resistant bowl, then place the bowl into the skillet. Heat the cream, stirring often, to 190 F. It will take about 15-20 minutes of delicate heating.

Add lemon juice and continue heating the mixture, stirring gently until the cream curdles. The whipping cream will become thicker and should evenly and thickly cover the back of a wooden spoon.

Remove the bowl from the water and cool for about 20 minutes.

Meanwhile, line a sieve with four layers of dampened cheesecloth and set it over a bowl. Transfer the mixture into the lined sieve. Do not squeeze the cheese in the cheesecloth or press on its surface. Once cooled completely, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate (in the sieve) overnight or up to 24 hours. The next day, remove mixture from the bowl and sieve, transferring it to another bowl. Your mascarpone will be removable as once solid piece. Stir it to reveal it’s creamy consistency.

(FInd it at the following link!!)

http://www.foodbuzz.com/blogs/1936018-homemade-mascarpone

Mermaid,
Thanks! The stencil was surprisingly easy to make. I’m going to have to experiment with that in the future, especially with all the scrapbooking chipboard letters out there. I’ll have to put my mad scientist/baker/crafter hat on

Amanda,
Thanks! That’s good to know about the chips. I’m still thankful that I decided to go with the grated mainly because of that picture I got, probably my favorite for this post. Maybe I’ll give the chips a shot next time when I’m not as concerned about getting a picture of the process…and oh yes, there will be a next time. Just looking at this post now has my mouth watering for another slice.