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sugar

SweetenersYear-round. Refined sugar is a shelf-stable commodity product available continuously; however, specialty sugars such as fresh cane juice and maple syrup have distinct seasonal availability tied to harvest periods.

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)

RCI-BV.004.0052.001

Cat's Acapulco

Cat's Acapulco from the Recidemia collection

RCI-EG.004.0009.001

Cat's Baltimore Eggnog

Cat's Baltimore Eggnog from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.001.0126.001

Cauliflower and Cherry Tomato Salad with Basil

I was surprised at how fast this disappeared. It can also be made with sherry vinegar.

RCI-SP.005.0034.001

Cauliflower and Coconut Milk Curry

This is my favourite vegetarian curry. It's a simple one and quickly cooked. The taste is aromatic without being strongly spicy.

RCI-VG.004.0234.001

Cauliflower-Broccoli Medley

Cauliflower-Broccoli Medley from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.004.0104.001

Celebration Chocolate Cake

10 to 12 servings.

RCI-BR.006.0060.001

Celebration Tarts

Celebration Tarts from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.001.0130.001

Celery Seed Coleslaw

right|Celery Seed Coleslaw

RCI-SC.003.0041.001

Celery Seed Dressing

Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * This recipe yields

RCI-SP.001.0016.001

Celestial Vegetable Soup

Celestial Vegetable Soup from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.004.0106.001

Centennial Chocolate Baked Alaska

Makes 10 to 12 servings

RCI-BR.005.0116.001

Cereal snack meringues

Cereal snack meringues from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.005.0117.001

Ceregy

This recipe came from an estate sale. I obtained it when I purchased the family collection from the Gingham Estate in Fort Worth, Texas in 1992.

RCI-SF.003.0014.001

Ceviche with Ahi Tuna

This is a creation using both modern and traditional ceviche methods. The key of course is fresh fresh Ahi. One of the reasons that a really terrific ceviche is , well, really terrific is the type of fish and/or seafood used.

RCI-VG.004.0252.001

Chakcuouka

A Tunisian cooked tomato and pepper salad This recipe yields 4 servings.

RCI-RC.006.0036.001

Chakrey

Chakrey

RCI-SP.006.0008.001

Chaladnik Khaladnik Miensk-style

A cold soup

RCI-BR.001.0044.001

Challah I

Holiday twist bread. Serves 18.

Champorado
RCI-RC.005.0025.001

Champorado

Chocolate rice Pudding. Sweetened chocolate gruel recipe made out of glutinous rice.

RCI-VG.004.0254.001

Champurrado

Chocolate coffee

RCI-VG.004.0257.001

Channay Ki Dal Ka Halva

Channay Ki Dal Ka Halva from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SF.002.0057.001

Chao Tom

Chao Tom Chao Tom is also known as grilled shrimp paste and can be served as snacks.

RCI-ND.005.0024.001

Chap Jae

A delicious stir-fry that makes a one-dish meal. This recipe is for 6 servings. Preparation: 30 minutes.

RCI-ND.005.0025.001

Chap Jae I

Stir-fry. Makes amout 6 servings.

RCI-BR.005.0118.001

Checkerboard Cookies

.

RCI-DS.003.0052.001

Cheerio Bars

My kids loved these when they were growing up.

RCI-BR.004.0110.001

Cheesecake by Alita

So you want to make a tasty cheesecake? by Alita So we've seen quite a few tasty dinners being prepared around this here forum the past few weeks, but nary a cake has been made!

Cheesecake by LD1984
RCI-BR.004.0111.001

Cheesecake by LD1984

Cheesecake by LD1984 from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.004.0112.001

Cheesecake by Syrinxx

Submitted by Syrinxx Since the cooking threads have become pretty popular around here lately, I thought I'd share a good recipe for cheesecake - perfect for wowing your family/wife/friends/real doll on those special occasions.

RCI-BR.006.0061.002

Cheese Tart

Cheese Tart from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.006.0061.001

Cheese Tart

Cheese Tart from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.001.0046.001

Cheesy Pepper and Mushroom Pizza

Contributed by Jenn B aka Mom2Sam and Tiny at World Re

RCI-SC.007.0059.001

Chef Bayo's Tanzanian Green Tomato Chutney

Chef Bayo's Tanzanian green tomato chutney

RCI-BR.003.0127.001

Cherokee Huckleberry Bread

Cherokee Huckleberry Bread

RCI-DS.005.0007.001

Cherries in Ouzo Syrup

When you've had your fill of cherries for their short season but dream of more later, suspending them in an anisey syrup of ouzo and sugar is a way to keep them, stored in the refrigerator, halfway to next year's cherry season.

RCI-DS.001.0118.001

Cherry Amaretto Cream

Contributed by: Mary Ann Lee

RCI-SC.007.0061.001

Cherry BBQ Sauce

Cherry contest entry submitted by: Kathleen M. Hooker. Great over grilled ribs or chicken.

RCI-BR.006.0062.001

Cherry-Berry Jumble Fruit Pie

American cuisine | Vegetarian Cuisine | Holiday Recipes

RCI-BR.005.0120.001

Cherry-Bright Chocolate Brownies

Cherry-Bright Chocolate Brownies from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.005.0122.001

Cherry Chocolate Cookies

Makes about 2½ dozen cookies and about ½ cup glaze.

RCI-SC.007.0062.001

Cherry Chutney

Cherry Chutney from the Recidemia collection

RCI-DS.001.0121.001

Cherry Clafouti Tart

Please warn everyone that the pits are still in the cherries when you serve this! The pits give added flavor to the tart, and it also makes the dish very easy to prepare.

RCI-DS.004.0065.001

Cherry Cobbler

Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * Serves 6 * Source:

RCI-DS.004.0067.001

Cherry Compote

In Romanian: Compot de cirese

RCI-DS.004.0068.001

Cherry Crisp

Cherry Crisp from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.003.0128.001

Cherry-filled Bread Ring

Cherry-filled Bread Ring from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.003.0129.001

Cherry Nut Bread

This recipe came from an estate sale. I obtained it when I purchased the family collection from the Marlin Estate in Caddo Mills, Texas in 1995.

RCI-SC.003.0043.001

Cherry Pineapple Dressing

Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * This recipe yields

RCI-DS.001.0124.001

Cherry Rice Cream

Makes 10 servings.

RCI-BR.004.0121.001

Cherry Ricotta Cheesecake

A lighter, better-for-you crustless cheesecake with a delectable cherry topping. Cheesecake CAN be a part of a healthy diet!