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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-SN.002.0109.001

Creole Beignets

Creole Beignets A beignet is a deep-fried pastry that has been rolled in sugar. The name "beignet" comes from the French word for "fritter". Beignets are popular in New Orleans, where they are also referred to as donuts.

RCI-DS.001.0190.001

Creole Bread Pudding

Creole Bread Pudding from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SF.002.0097.001

Creole Shrimp

creole shrimp

RCI-BR.008.0058.001

Crêpes stuffed with Grand Marnier Rice Pudding

Makes 6 servings

RCI-BR.005.0225.001

Crescent Cookies

Crescent Cookies from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.005.0226.001

Crescent Cream Cheese Bars

Contributed by World Recipes Y-Group

RCI-SN.002.0110.001

Crimsel

These rolls or muffins are kosher for Passover

RCI-VG.001.0176.001

Crimson Slaw

Crimson Slaw from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SN.004.0049.001

Crisp Spiced Nuts

Contributed by Jenn B aka Mom2Sam and Tiny at World Re

RCI-SN.002.0114.001

Crispy Baked Onion Rings

Crispy Baked Onion Rings from the Recidemia collection

Crispy Noodle Cake
RCI-ND.005.0045.001

Crispy Noodle Cake

Description

RCI-DS.003.0120.001

Critters in the Hay

Makes 4 quarts

RCI-BR.005.0229.001

Croatian Cookies

Makes 1 panfulFile:CROATIANCOOKIES.jpg|thumb

Crockpot Banana Bread
RCI-BR.003.0160.001

Crockpot Banana Bread

Delicious banana bread prepared in a crockpot.

RCI-SC.004.0012.001

Crockpot Spaghetti Sauce

Crockpot Spaghetti Sauce from the Recidemia collection

RCI-EG.002.0017.001

Croissant French Toast

Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * Makes 2 Servings

RCI-BR.008.0059.001

Crumpets

Crumpets from the Recidemia collection

RCI-DS.003.0122.001

Crunchy Chocolate Raisin Fudge

Crunchy Chocolate Raisin Fudge from the Recidemia collection

RCI-DS.001.0192.001

Crunchy Strawberry Jello Salad

Crunchy Strawberry Jello Salad from the Recidemia collection

RCI-PF.001.0012.001

Cucumber Relish

Cucumber Relish from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.001.0184.001

Cucumber Salad with Sour Cream

Cucumber Salad with Sour Cream from the Recidemia collection

RCI-DS.004.0089.001

Cupa Cupa Cup

Simple and fast to make. This is a cobbler type cake.

RCI-DS.001.0194.001

Custard Pie

This eggy, sweet pie is easy to make—it forms its own crust as it cooks! Delicious for dessert or a sweet breakfast.

RCI-DS.001.0195.001

Custard Pudding

150px||right| Custard Pudding

RCI-DS.001.0196.001

Custard Tarts

Custard Tarts from the Recidemia collection

RCI-DS.001.0197.001

Custard Trifle Pudding

Custard Trifle Pudding from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.005.0233.001

Cut-out Sugar Cookies

Preparation time: 15 minutes | chill time: 2 hours | bake time: 7 – 9 minutes Makes 3 dozen cookies (depending on size and shape)

RCI-BV.008.0024.001

Cyprus Coffee

RCI-SP.003.0226.001

Czarnina

right|Czarnina Polish duck soup

RCI-SP.003.0227.001

Czech Goulash (the Real Thing)

This came from my Grandmother who received it from her mother who moved here from Czechoslovokia.

RCI-SP.005.0076.001

Dahi Baingana

Dahi Baingana from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.003.0229.001

Dahi Shorba

right|Name of the Recipe

RCI-BV.001.0073.001

Daiquiri

Daiquiri is an evolving and vast drink created in Cuba.

RCI-VG.004.0401.001

Dal-gyal Mal-e

Dal-gyal Mal-e

RCI-SN.002.0122.001

Dalmatian Fritters

Dalmatian Fritters

RCI-SF.003.0020.001

Danish Gravlaks

Lox, or Cured Salmon. , Also wonderful for any recipe calling for Lox - appetizers etc. The wine and cognac cures the raw salmon.

RCI-BR.005.0234.001

Danish Raspberry Cookies

Danish Raspberry Cookies from the Recidemia collection

RCI-PF.001.0014.001

Danish White Cucumber Pickles

This is my mother's recipe with a few adaptations by me. They are wonderful crisp white, sweet pickles that go well with anything (except maybe ice cream). You nearly always see this pickle on Danish open faced Liver pate sandwiches.

RCI-BR.006.0101.001

Dan Ta

Custard egg tart

RCI-BR.003.0165.001

Date and Banana Mix

Date and Banana Mix from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.005.0235.001

Date and Banana Squares

This is a Chadian dessert. Many of the desserts in the cuisine of Chad are made from fresh fruits, dry fruits like peanuts, raisins, dates, pistachios etc.

RCI-BR.005.0236.001

Date bars

Date bars from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.005.0237.001

Date Chewsticks

I got this recipe from a lady who is now in her 90s and still going strong.

RCI-BR.005.0238.001

Date-filled Cookies

Date-filled Cookies from the Recidemia collection

RCI-DS.003.0126.001

Date-Nut Balls

My favorite Christmas Cookie. My aunt used to make them for me at Christmas.

RCI-BR.003.0167.001

Date Nut Bread Pressure Cooker-style

Contributed by PressureCookerRecipes Y-Group

RCI-BR.005.0239.001

Date-Nut Cookies

Date-Nut Cookies from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.003.0168.001

Date Nut Muffins

Purchased from the Van Sickle Estate in Mabank, Texas in 1990. Dated 1949.

RCI-DS.004.0090.001

Daube de Banane

Daube de Banane from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BV.009.0022.001

Dawet