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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-BR.007.0029.001

Cherry swirls

Cherry swirls from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.003.0130.001

Cherry Tea Biscuits

These almost fatless biscotti-style cookies are idea for dipping in your .

RCI-BR.004.0123.001

Cherry Torte

Cherries, Canned by the US Department of Agriculture, public domain government resource—original source of recipe Serves: 8

RCI-SN.002.0078.001

Chestnut Croquettes

Chestnut Croquettes from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.006.0066.001

Chestnut Pie

Chestnut Pie from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.003.0131.001

Chet Ang Nung Tirk Doung

We use the banana blossom for cooking, the banana leaves are used for wrapping rice cakes and many other treats.

RCI-VG.001.0138.001

Chet Atkins' Cole Slaw

From Dinah's Kitchen From "Catsrecipes Y-Group" Serves 6

RCI-BR.005.0130.001

Chewy Oatmeal-Raisin Cookies

Makes about 18 big cookies or ~30 of varying sizes if you're me This recipe and the others from my week o' cookies (Thick & Chewy Double-Chocolate Cookies, Gingered Sugar Cookies, and Peanut Butter Cookies) are all from Baking Illustrated.

RCI-BR.005.0131.001

Chewy Toffee Almond Bars

Chewy Toffee Almond Bars from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BV.008.0019.001

Chiahu Spiced Tea

This recipe came from an estate sale. I obtained it when I purchased the family collection from the Mason Estate in Abbott, Texas in 1999.

RCI-DS.001.0126.001

Chi Chi Dango

Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group

RCI-MT.004.0162.001

Chicken Breasts with Creole Sauce

This recipe came from an estate sale. I obtained it when I purchased the family collection from the Hager Estate in Canton, Texas in 1982.

RCI-SP.005.0046.001

Chicken Creole with Mango

Chicken Creole with Mango from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.004.0082.001

Chicken Fatah

A thick stew with mini-dumplings.

RCI-EG.004.0014.001

Chicken Flavored Eggs

This is a delicious recipe for sunny-side up eggs that well... taste surprisingly like chicken! If you like Rotisserie Chicken, you will love this simple but yummy breakfast recipe!

RCI-MT.004.0191.001

Chicken Kabobs with Yogurt Dipping Sauce and Lemon

Chicken Kabobs with Yogurt Dipping Sauce and Lemon from the Recidemia collection

RCI-MT.004.0205.001

Chicken Mango Stir-fry

Makes 4 servings.

RCI-MT.004.0209.001

Chicken Marsala (Jpfan01)

Submitted by Jpfan01 I love Chicken Marsala. I had it a couple times at a local Italian restaurant and decided I could do it myself. The only thing I was never really fond of in the recipe was how thick and syrup like the sauce was.

RCI-MT.004.0211.001

Chicken Moskva

4 servings Chicken Moskva

RCI-SP.004.0093.001

Chicken Paprika Stew with Tomato

Chicken Paprika Stew with Tomato from the Recidemia collection

RCI-MT.004.0235.001

Chicken with Carrot Chutney

Makes 6 servings

RCI-MT.004.0240.001

Chicken with Okra

In Romanian: Pui cu bame

RCI-MT.004.0247.001

Chicken with Snow Peas

Makes 6 servings

RCI-MT.004.0253.001

Chicken with Tomatoes

In Romanian: Pui cu rosii

RCI-VG.005.0038.001

Chilean Pastel de Choclo

300px| Chilean Pastel de Choclo There are many interpretations of this Mexican shrimp and corn casserole. In this one, Shrimp cooks with evaporated milk until it is slightly thick, then whirls in the food processor until smooth.

Chili
RCI-SP.003.0168.001

Chili

Chili is a simple and hearty meal, can be topped off nicely with coconut sour cream.

RCI-VG.005.0040.001

Chilies en nogales (stuffed chilies with waln

Chilies en nogales (stuffed chilies with waln from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SC.006.0006.001

Chili Paste

Prep Time: 20 minutes Yield: 4 servings

RCI-RC.004.0075.001

Chili Rice and Franks

Makes 6 servings.

RCI-VG.001.0144.001

Chilled Cucumber, Cilantro and Mint Salad

Chilled Cucumber, Cilantro and Mint Salad from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.006.0018.001

Chilled Rhubarb Soup

Yield: About 1 quart

RCI-VG.004.0288.001

Chilli Prawn and Bean Thread Noodle Salad

Chilli Prawn and Bean Thread Noodle Salad This recipe looks wonderful served in a big clear glass bowl and is so simple to make, and is low in fat as well.

RCI-SN.002.0087.001

Chin Chin

Nigerian cookies

RCI-SN.002.0088.001

Chin Chin I

Nigerian cookies

RCI-BR.005.0133.001

Chinese Almond Cookies

Makes 30 - 35 cookies.

RCI-VG.001.0145.001

Chinese Asparagus Salad

Serves 4 to 6

RCI-MT.001.0079.001

Chinese Black Pepper Steak

Contributed by World Recipes Y-Group This Y-group is

Chinese Chicken Noodle Soup
RCI-ND.004.0011.001

Chinese Chicken Noodle Soup

iss.

RCI-MT.004.0269.001

Chinese chicken with walnuts

Chinese chicken with walnuts from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.001.0148.001

Chinese Cucumber Salad

Chinese Cucumber Salad from the Recidemia collection

RCI-MT.004.0271.001

Chinese Fried Chicken

Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group

RCI-SP.003.0186.001

Chinese Hot and Sour Soup

Description

RCI-SN.002.0089.001

Chinese No-meat Balls

Yield: 8 servings. Serving size: 3 no-meat balls.

RCI-MT.001.0081.001

Chinese Pepper Steak II

Chinese Pepper Steak II from the Recidemia collection

RCI-MT.005.0056.001

Chinese Pork Hash

Pork Hash

RCI-VG.004.0296.001

Chinese-style Broccoli

This is a recipe I obtained from an Estate sale. I obtained it when I purchased the family collection from the Corrigan Estate in Justin, Texas in 1992.

RCI-BR.004.0126.001

Chocolate Almond Torte

10 to 12 servings.

RCI-BR.004.0127.001

Chocolate-Amaretto Cheesecake

Chocolate-Amaretto Cheesecake from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.001.0050.001

Chocolate and Banana Bread

Chocolate and Banana Bread from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.004.0129.001

Chocolate and raspberry cream torte

Chocolate and raspberry cream torte from the Recidemia collection