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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-DS.003.0215.001

Microwave Peanut Brittle

This is an easier version of Peanut Brittle that can be prepared in under 10 minutes using a microwave.

RCI-DS.005.0030.001

Microwave Strawberry Syrup

Adapted from Easy Microwave Preserving. Cook Time: Approximately 15 minutes Serves: 16 Makes about 1 pint.

RCI-BR.004.0343.001

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.

RCI-BR.004.0344.001

Mienski Honey Cake

Makes a 1 kg cake

RCI-VG.004.0875.001

Mienski Salad

Mienski Salad from the Recidemia collection

RCI-DS.001.0345.001

Mihallabiya (Rosewater flavored Milk Pudding)

Mihallabiya (Rosewater flavored Milk Pudding) from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.004.0345.001

Milk Cake

Milk Cake from the Recidemia collection

RCI-DS.001.0346.001

Milk Cream with Chocolate

In Romanian: crema de lapte cu ciocolata

RCI-DS.001.0348.001

Milk-free Vanilla Pudding

Here is a pleasant dessert for those with a "sweet tooth" who cannot drink milk.

RCI-BR.002.0063.001

Milk Lefse

Milk Lefse

RCI-BR.006.0206.001

Milk Pie

Milk Pie from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.004.0881.001

Milk Rice (Gossi)

Milk Rice (Gossi) from the Recidemia collection

RCI-DS.001.0349.001

Milk Tapioca Pudding

If you add enough sugar, it will erase all the yucky elements of this!

RCI-BR.008.0123.001

Millet Pancakes

Millet Pancakes from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.005.0417.001

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.

RCI-BR.005.0418.001

Mincemeat Cookies

Mincemeat Cookies from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.004.0348.001

Mini Cheesecake Baskets

Contributed by World Recipes Y-Group

RCI-SN.002.0208.001

Mini Corndogs

Mini Corndogs from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.006.0207.001

Mini Fruit Tarts

Makes 12 mini tarts.

RCI-BR.006.0208.001

Mini Mango Mousse Tarts

Mini Mango Mousse Tarts from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.005.0419.001

Minions

Minions

RCI-MT.004.0577.001

Mint Chicken

Mint Chicken from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.001.0392.001

Minted Carrot Ribbon Salad

Minted Carrot Ribbon Salad from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BV.007.0092.001

Minted Mocha Smoothie

Minted Mocha Smoothie from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.004.0351.001

Mississippi Mud Cake

Mississippi Mud Cake from the Recidemia collection

RCI-DS.005.0032.001

Miss May's Peach Preserves

Fruit & Vegetable Recipes II by the South Carolina Department of Agriculture, public domain government resource—original source of recipe

RCI-DS.001.0351.001

Mixed Berry Bread Pudding

Contributed by PressureCookerRecipes Y-Group

RCI-BR.004.0352.001

Mixed-Berry Coffee Cake

Mixed-Berry Coffee Cake from the Recidemia collection

RCI-DS.002.0135.001

Mixed Fruit Tortoni

Contributed by Judi M. Phelps * Serves 1

RCI-BR.005.0420.001

Mocha Dream Bars

easy, and no bake. If you don't have any espresso, regular instant coffee granule can be used.

RCI-DS.001.0354.001

Mocha Meringue Pudding

Makes 6 servings

RCI-BV.008.0059.001

Mocha Mexican Coffee Drink

.

RCI-DS.001.0355.001

Mocha Pudding for Passover

Mocha Pudding for Passover from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BV.009.0052.001

Moh Let Saung

Moh Let Saung (coconut milk with sago) is the perfect dessert drink during a hot day.

RCI-BV.001.0133.001

Mojito I

A rum drink.

Molasses Cookies
RCI-BR.005.0421.002

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.

RCI-BR.005.0421.001

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.

RCI-BR.003.0279.001

Molasses Donuts

Molasses Donuts

RCI-BR.001.0158.001

Moldavian 8 Shapes

In Romanian: Mucenici moldovenesti

RCI-SC.004.0024.001

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.

RCI-DS.004.0185.001

Mom's Bisquick Cobbler

Contributed by World Recipes Y-Group

RCI-BR.005.0427.001

Mom's Peanut Butter Cookies

Mom's Peanut Butter Cookies from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.003.0280.001

Mom's Perfect Bran Muffins

Mom's Perfect Bran Muffins from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.003.0281.001

Morning Glory Muffins

Submitted by Jenna C.

RCI-BR.004.0363.001

Moroccan Cake

Moroccan cake - a moist dessert just waiting to be baked!

RCI-BR.001.0160.001

Moroccan Moflta

Moflta Moroccan Aslit

RCI-DS.004.0186.001

Moroccan Oranges

A yummy dessert that is simple to prepare and is healthy too!

RCI-SP.002.0132.001

Moroccan Pumpkin Soup

This sweet soup is gorgeous and really warms you up when it's cold out. This recipe serves 6.

RCI-BR.004.0364.001

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.

RCI-BR.003.0282.001

Moscow Ponchiki

Moscow Ponchiki from the Recidemia collection