
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)
Makkarónumjólk
Macaroni in milk Makkarónumjólk
Makosbeigli
Poppy seed moon strudel
Malay Barbecued Game Hens with Sweet Spicy Li
Makes about 3½ cups or rempah
Malay Beef Rantang
The most simple recipe to make rendang, but it still taste delicious. You can use the same ingredients and directions to make Chicken rendang (enough for 1 whole Chicken).
Malibu Milk Shake
Contributed by The Bartending School
Maltese Biscuits
Maltese Biscuits from the Recidemia collection
Maltese Bread (Hobz)
Serves 4.
Maltese Rice Pudding
Serves 4.
Mamadou's Banana Glace
This double-strength banana dessert beats a banana split halfway to Dakar! Served with an excellent demitasse, it is a delicious and sophisticated dessert.
Mama's Rhubarb and Strawberry Sherbet
Mama's Rhubarb and Strawberry Sherbet from the Recidemia collection
Mamey with Rum Zabaglione Topping
Mamey with Rum Zabaglione Topping from the Recidemia collection
Mamie's Million Dollar Fudge
Mamie's Million Dollar Fudge from the Eisenhower Center, public domain government resource—original source of recipe
Mandarin orange cake
Mandarin orange cake from the Recidemia collection
Mandarin Orange Cheesecake with Orange Sauce
Contributed by PressureCookerRecipes Y-Group
Mandarin Orange Corn Bread
Submitted by Dick Miale
Mandasi
Donuts! These are commonly sold by women in the market or at bus stations to earn a little extra income.
Mango-Avocado Tropical Salad
Mango-Avocado Tropical Salad from the Recidemia collection
Mango Beef with Spring Onion
Mango Beef with Spring Onion from the Recidemia collection
Mango Cake
Mango Cake from the Recidemia collection

Mango Chutney
Mango Chutney is a speciality of the South Indian coastal state of Andhra Pradesh. Mango chutney can be made in many different ways. Chutney is a tasty sauce, and can be served with poppadoms or with the main course.
Mango Coconut Pie
Mango Coconut Pie from the Recidemia collection
Mango Cream Cheese Pie
Mango Cream Cheese Pie from the Recidemia collection
Mango Crumb Cake
Mango Crumb Cake from the Recidemia collection
Mango-Custard Kuchen
Mango-Custard Kuchen from the Recidemia collection
Mango Date Chutney
Mango Date Chutney from the Recidemia collection
Mangoes with Sticky Rice
Mangoes with Sticky Rice from the Recidemia collection
Mango-Ginger Upside-down Cake
Mango-Ginger Upside-down Cake from the Recidemia collection
Mango Jam Too!
Mango Jam Too! from the Recidemia collection
Mango Mint Relish
Mango Mint Relish from the Recidemia collection
Mango-Nut Ice Cream Topping
Mango-Nut Ice Cream Topping from the Recidemia collection
Mango-Nut Topping
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Mango Omelet
Mango Omelet from the Recidemia collection
Mango Orange Bread Pudding
Mango Orange Bread Pudding from the Recidemia collection
Mango or Orange Creme
This recipe is for 8 servings.
Mango-Papaya Jam
Mango-Papaya Jam from the Recidemia collection
Mango Pie
Mango Pie from the Recidemia collection
Mango Pie Too
Mango Pie Too from the Recidemia collection
Mango Raspberry Bread Crisp
Mango Raspberry Bread Crisp from the Recidemia collection
Mango Revel Bars
Mango Revel Bars from the Recidemia collection
Mango Rich Preserves
Mango Rich Preserves from the Recidemia collection
Mango Slice Ice Cream
Mango Slice Ice Cream from the Recidemia collection
Mango Sorbet
Mango Sorbet from the Recidemia collection
Mangosteen Sorbet
Magosteen], the queen of tropical fruits, is native to Malaysia. Garcinia mangostana is its botanical name.
Mango-Strawberry Daiquiri
.
Mango Sweet Pickle
Mango Sweet Pickle from the Recidemia collection
Mango Turnovers
Mango Turnovers from the Recidemia collection
Mango Upside-down Tart
Mango Upside-down Tart from the Recidemia collection
Mango Walnut Pie
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Mantala od Grozdja
This recipe came from an estate sale. I obtained it when I purchased the family collection from the Gonzales Estate in Crandall, Texas in 1980.
Mantecada
Mantecada