
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)
Microwave Peanut Brittle
This is an easier version of Peanut Brittle that can be prepared in under 10 minutes using a microwave.
Microwave Strawberry Syrup
Adapted from Easy Microwave Preserving. Cook Time: Approximately 15 minutes Serves: 16 Makes about 1 pint.
Midget Fruit Cakes
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.
Mienski Honey Cake
Makes a 1 kg cake
Mienski Salad
Mienski Salad from the Recidemia collection
Mihallabiya (Rosewater flavored Milk Pudding)
Mihallabiya (Rosewater flavored Milk Pudding) from the Recidemia collection
Milk Cake
Milk Cake from the Recidemia collection
Milk Cream with Chocolate
In Romanian: crema de lapte cu ciocolata
Milk-free Vanilla Pudding
Here is a pleasant dessert for those with a "sweet tooth" who cannot drink milk.
Milk Lefse
Milk Lefse
Milk Pie
Milk Pie from the Recidemia collection
Milk Rice (Gossi)
Milk Rice (Gossi) from the Recidemia collection
Milk Tapioca Pudding
If you add enough sugar, it will erase all the yucky elements of this!
Millet Pancakes
Millet Pancakes from the Recidemia collection
Millionaire's Shortbread
Submitted by Toast A layered chocolate and milky caramel shortbread slice, it’s extremely rich and tasty. The recipe can easily be double or tripled as required and can be made in a variety of presentations.
Mincemeat Cookies
Mincemeat Cookies from the Recidemia collection
Mini Cheesecake Baskets
Contributed by World Recipes Y-Group
Mini Corndogs
Mini Corndogs from the Recidemia collection
Mini Fruit Tarts
Makes 12 mini tarts.
Mini Mango Mousse Tarts
Mini Mango Mousse Tarts from the Recidemia collection
Minions
Minions
Mint Chicken
Mint Chicken from the Recidemia collection
Minted Carrot Ribbon Salad
Minted Carrot Ribbon Salad from the Recidemia collection
Minted Mocha Smoothie
Minted Mocha Smoothie from the Recidemia collection
Mississippi Mud Cake
Mississippi Mud Cake from the Recidemia collection
Miss May's Peach Preserves
Fruit & Vegetable Recipes II by the South Carolina Department of Agriculture, public domain government resource—original source of recipe
Mixed Berry Bread Pudding
Contributed by PressureCookerRecipes Y-Group
Mixed-Berry Coffee Cake
Mixed-Berry Coffee Cake from the Recidemia collection
Mixed Fruit Tortoni
Contributed by Judi M. Phelps * Serves 1
Mocha Dream Bars
easy, and no bake. If you don't have any espresso, regular instant coffee granule can be used.
Mocha Meringue Pudding
Makes 6 servings
Mocha Mexican Coffee Drink
.
Mocha Pudding for Passover
Mocha Pudding for Passover from the Recidemia collection
Moh Let Saung
Moh Let Saung (coconut milk with sago) is the perfect dessert drink during a hot day.
Mojito I
A rum drink.

Molasses Cookies
These cookies can be considered , and originally were named as such. They resemble the made by Archway; they use relatively little ginger and are thus not as spicy hot as gingerbread cookies from many other recipes.
Molasses Cookies
These cookies can be considered , and originally were named as such. They resemble the made by Archway; they use relatively little ginger and are thus not as spicy hot as gingerbread cookies from many other recipes.
Molasses Donuts
Molasses Donuts
Moldavian 8 Shapes
In Romanian: Mucenici moldovenesti
Mom Marcon's Spaghetti Sauce
This is my mom's spaghetti sauce recipe. She was a full blooded Italian, and a great cook. This sauce thickens up while it cooks. She never measured anything, as you can see from her seasoning ingredients. She would just eyeball it and toss it in.
Mom's Bisquick Cobbler
Contributed by World Recipes Y-Group
Mom's Peanut Butter Cookies
Mom's Peanut Butter Cookies from the Recidemia collection
Mom's Perfect Bran Muffins
Mom's Perfect Bran Muffins from the Recidemia collection
Morning Glory Muffins
Submitted by Jenna C.
Moroccan Cake
Moroccan cake - a moist dessert just waiting to be baked!
Moroccan Moflta
Moflta Moroccan Aslit
Moroccan Oranges
A yummy dessert that is simple to prepare and is healthy too!
Moroccan Pumpkin Soup
This sweet soup is gorgeous and really warms you up when it's cold out. This recipe serves 6.
Moroccan Torte
This desserts is lovely and fruity. It makes a nice changes from the sweet/spicy Moroccan food you get. The authentic dish is traditionally served after a big meal.
Moscow Ponchiki
Moscow Ponchiki from the Recidemia collection