
sugar
Sugar is primarily composed of carbohydrates providing approximately 4 calories per gram, with negligible protein, fat, or micronutrients in refined white sugar. Specialty sugars such as muscovado and coconut sugar contain trace minerals including potassium and iron, though in nutritionally insignificant quantities.
About
Sugar is a simple carbohydrate (monosaccharide or disaccharide) that serves as a fundamental sweetening agent in culinary applications worldwide. The most common culinary sugar is sucrose, a disaccharide derived from sugar cane (Saccharum officinarum) or sugar beets (Beta vulgaris), which is extracted, refined, and crystallized into granulated form. Sucrose comprises glucose and fructose units bonded together and represents approximately 99.9% purity in refined white sugar.\n\nSugar exists in multiple forms beyond granulated white sugar, including brown sugar (sucrose with molasses), muscovado (moist, mineral-rich), demerara, and turbinado (large-crystal varieties), as well as other sweetening sources such as honey, maple syrup, and coconut sugar. Each variety possesses distinct moisture content, crystal size, and residual mineral profiles that influence flavor and culinary properties. Chemically, sugar is highly soluble in water and undergoes transformation when heated—caramelizing at elevated temperatures and undergoing the Maillard reaction when combined with proteins.
Culinary Uses
Sugar functions as a fundamental ingredient across all culinary traditions, serving roles that extend far beyond simple sweetening. In baking, it modifies texture (providing moisture and tenderness), promotes browning through caramelization and the Maillard reaction, and contributes to structure through its hygroscopic properties. In confectionery, precise heating and crystallization techniques transform sugar into syrups, caramels, fondant, and pulled sugar sculptures. Sugar also functions as a preservative in jams and pickles, balances acidity in sauces, and enhances the perception of other flavors. It appears in savory applications including barbecue rubs, glazes, and Asian cooking, where balance between sweet and savory is essential.
Used In
Recipes Using sugar (2,800)
Campers Orange-Coconut Cake
Campers Orange-Coconut Cake from the Recidemia collection
Candied Walnut Butter Salad
Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * Serves 4
Candy Apples
Candy Apples are North American treats for the holidays, especially prominent for Halloween.
Candy Easter Eggs
These are good and they will disappear quickly. Makes 13 small eggs or 2 (1 pound) eggs or 3 small.
Canjica
Canjica from the Recidemia collection
Cantaloupe Panna Cotta with Blueberries and Ginger
Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * Makes 8 servings
Cantonese Chicken with Rice
Makes 6 servings.
Cao lầu
Cuisine of Vietnam is a Vietnamese regional noodle dish found only in Hội An, in the Quang Nam Province of central Vietnam. This serves 3-4 people.
Cao lầu
Cuisine of Vietnam is a Vietnamese regional noodle dish found only in Hội An, in the Quang Nam Province of central Vietnam. This serves 3-4 people.
Caponata
Caponata from the Recidemia collection
Cappuccino-kissed Cheesecake
Makes 16 servings
Cappucino Mousse
Cappucino Mousse from the Recidemia collection
Caramel Coffee Cake
Cake Serves 12.
Caramel Custard
A sweet sauce.
Caramelized Figs
Part of Hopper's entry in Iron Chef SA 028:Balsamic Battle image:balsfigs1.jpg
Caramelized Plantains
One of the best Moroccan desserts around - full of sweetness, the plantains give you energy and are really easy to make.
Caramelized Ripe Plantains
Caramelized Ripe Plantains from the Recidemia collection
Caramelized Sugar Cream
In Romanian: crema de zahar ars
Caramelized Sweet and Sour Onion Marmalade
Caramelized Sweet and Sour Onion Marmalade
Caramel Sauce
Caramel Sauce from the Recidemia collection
Caraway Cookies
Caraway Cookies from the Recidemia collection
Caraway Sauerkraut
Caraway Sauerkraut from the Recidemia collection
Carbonnade I
Belgian beer stew
Cardamom Coffee Cakes
Yield: 2 coffee cakes
Cardamom Shortbread Cookies
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Caribbean Christmas Ring
Caribbean Christmas Ring from the Recidemia collection
Carolina BBQ Rub
Don't just settle for a few of these! Get your hands on every award winning barbecue sauce ever made and it it to your recipe collection. Here's my Favorite from a seasoned pro and in my opinion a BBQ sauce genius!
Carot Chua
Pickled carrots From "Catsrecipes Y-Group"
Carquinyoli
Carquinyoli from the Recidemia collection
Carrot Barfi
Carrot Barfi
Carrot Bars
Carrot Bars from the Recidemia collection
Carrot Cake
=Variation One=

Carrot Cake and Cream Cheese Frosting
Carrot Cake and Cream Cheese Frosting Try this moist and flavorful carrot cake recipe!
Carrot Cake Trinidad
Carrot Cake Trinidad from the Recidemia collection
Carrot Cake Upside Your Head
Submitted by criscodisco Uploaded by Schpyder I work with a crazy old lady, and today is her ten millionth birthday. She loves carrot cake, so I decided to make several to take into work tonight.
Carrot Cream Bread
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Carrot Fluff
Carrot Fluff from the Recidemia collection
Carrot Fruit Cake
Carrot Fruit Cake from the Recidemia collection
Carrot Ice Cream Pie
.
Carrot Macaroons
Carrot Macaroons from the Recidemia collection
Carrot Orange Juice
Carrot Orange Juice from the Recidemia collection
Carrot Slaw
Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * Makes 6 cups
Casata
Contributed by World Recipes Y-Group This Y-group is
Cashew Macadamia Crunch
About -1/2 pounds candy.
Cassava Pone Guyanese-style
Cassava Pone Guyanese-style from the Recidemia collection
Casserole of Stewed Cabbage
Casserole of Stewed Cabbage from the Recidemia collection
Castagnaccio (chestnut cake)
* 4-6 servings
Catalina Dressing
Catalina Dressing from the Recidemia collection
Catfish Sate
A Catfish recipe.
Cathy's Banana Pudding
From my Aunt Maggie's Collection. Dated 1919.