
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)
Little Squares
In Romanian: Patratele
Livanecky z Kysele Smetany
Sour cream pancakes. Sounds odd, but these are really good. Not just for breakfast either.
Liver Pâté
Liver Pâté from the Recidemia collection
Loganberry jam
Loganberries are larger and more acid than raspberries with a hardish hull and when fully ripe are a dark purplish red.
London Broil
I know it says London, and it says broil, but it's the exact opposite. It's only really popular in America, and it's grilled.
Long Life Noodles
This is based on an authentic recipe from Taiwan, given to me by a Chinese chef and friend I trained with. Eating these noodles on your birthday or New Year's Day is supposed to ensure you a long and healtny life.
Lots of Punch Sauce
Recipe by Arleen Kaptur.
Louisiana Creamy Pralines
Louisiana Creamy Pralines from the Recidemia collection
Louisiana Roasted Pecan Pie
I first tried this at Cajun Connection in Utica, IL and immediately decided that I needed to master the recipe.
Loukoumas
Loukoumas is a Greek fried pastry, similar to a doughnut.
Loukoumas
Loukoumas is a Greek fried pastry, similar to a doughnut.
Low-calorie Pumpkin Pie
Low-calorie Pumpkin Pie from the Recidemia collection
Low cal whipped topping
Yields 24 servings of 2 tbsp each.
Low-cholesterol Hazelnut Crunch Ice Cream
Low-cholesterol Hazelnut Crunch Ice Cream from the Recidemia collection
Low-cholesterol Marinara Sauce
Low-cholesterol Marinara Sauce from the Recidemia collection
Low Cholesterol Whipped Topping
Low Cholesterol Whipped Topping from the Recidemia collection
Low-fat Applesauce Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * This recipe makes:
Low-fat Apricot Rice Pudding
Makes 4 servings.
Low-fat Carrot Cake I
Low-fat Carrot Cake I from the Recidemia collection
Low-fat Chocolate Fig Cake
Figs, Whole, Dried by the US Department of Agriculture, public domain government resource—original source of recipe Serves: 12
Low-fat Devil's Chocolate Fudge Cake
This recipe for all of you healthy chocolate freaks. Note at the bottom, there is a method for making prune puree (very similar to the wonderslim product that no one can find).
Lowfat eggnog
Lowfat eggnog from the Recidemia collection
Low-fat Eggnog
Low-fat Eggnog from the Recidemia collection
Low-fat Flan
Low-fat Flan from the Recidemia collection
Low-fat Fudgy Brownies
Low-fat Fudgy Brownies from the Recidemia collection
Luchow's Swedish Meat Balls
Luchow's Swedish Meat Balls
Luchshen Kugel
Luchshen Kugel from the Recidemia collection
Luumukohokas
Luumukohokas Prune soufflé
Lys Frugtkage
Lys Frugtkage White fruit cake Makes 1
Maandazi
Maandazi from the Recidemia collection
Macadamia Nut Fudge
Family and friends look forward to this creamy fudge every holiday season. The macadamia nuts make it extra special. -Kristine Sokowski, Tremont, Illinois SERVINGS 44 CATEGORY Dessert METHOD Other stovetop PREP 15 min. COOK 15 min. TOTAL 30 min.
Macadamia Upside-down Cake
I just remembered! The cake was absolutely marvelous — as we thought it might be :) There's not a crumb left!
Macanese Mango Pudding
Macanese Mango Pudding from the Recidemia collection
Macanese Steamed Egg Custard
Macanese Steamed Egg Custard from the Recidemia collection
Macaroni Salad
Salad Recipes
Macedonian Baklava
Macedonian Baklava from the Recidemia collection
Macedonian Bread
Macedonian Bread from the Recidemia collection
Macedonian Coconut Cake
Macedonian Coconut Cake from the Recidemia collection
Macedonian Delight Cake
Macedonian Delight Cake from the Recidemia collection
Macedonian Halvah
Macedonian Halvah from the Recidemia collection
Macedonian Lettuce Salad with Yoghurt
Macedonian Lettuce Salad with Yoghurt from the Recidemia collection
Mackerel Salad
Mackerel Salad from the Recidemia collection
Madeira Honey Cake
This is the recipe for the traditional , usually made on Christmas but also all year round on the island of Madeira and originally named in Portuguese bolo de mel.
Magnificent Buttermilk Biscuits
This is a recipe I obtained from an estate sale. I obtained it when I purchased the family collection from the Hager estate in Canton, Texas in 1982.
Mahamri
Mahamri from the Recidemia collection
Mahamri I
Mahamri I from the Recidemia collection
Maharajah's Ginger Ice Cream
Maharajah's Ginger Ice Cream from the Recidemia collection

Maja Blanca
Filipino version of a corn bread except, hers consisted of corn flour, rice flour, coconut milk, corn kernels mixed and steamed to a perfect consistency.
Majarete
Majarete from the Recidemia collection
Makai ka Dhokla
Scrumptious sweet corn and corn flour dhoklas ready within minutes.