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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.001.0358.001

Mouhalabieh

Pudding right|Mouhalabieh

RCI-ND.001.0057.001

Mr. Food's Northern Italian Pasta and Eggplant

Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * Source: Mr. Food

RCI-BR.001.0161.001

Mr. Food's Pull-apart Polish Babka

Because of the way this bakes, I like to pull apart the baked dough instead of cutting it. I know it sounds funny, but I think it tastes even better that way! Try it. From "Catsrecipes Y-Group" Source: Mr.

RCI-BR.004.0366.001

Mr. Morris' Salsa Cake

Mr. Morris' Salsa Cake from the Recidemia collection

RCI-DS.001.0359.001

Mr. Salt and Mrs. Pepper's Raspberry Pretzel Dessert

Contributed by Kellie Head. Kellie may be contacted at ParentingHumor

RCI-SC.005.0113.001

Mrs. Ball's Chutney

Mrs. Ball's chutney Peach and apricot chutney. Mrs. Ball started making the chutney after she moved to Johannesburg with her husband and seven children.

RCI-BR.004.0367.001

Mrs. Haller's Cheese Torte

Not quite a cheesecake and not quite a true torte, this is a very old recipe from my grandmother. This is a wonderfully creamy dessert, best served with a nice cup of coffee.

RCI-VG.004.0918.001

Msakaet al Bathinjan

Eggplant Casserole

RCI-SN.004.0105.001

Mtedza Puffs

Peanut puffs

RCI-DS.001.0361.001

Muhallabia I

Ground rice pudding

RCI-DS.001.0362.001

Muhallebi

(also Muhallabia, Mihallabiya) is a milk pudding thickened with rice flour and optionally perfumed with rosewater or orange flower water.

RCI-VG.004.0921.001

Mula ni Kadhi

Preparation Time : 30 Minutes Servings : 4

RCI-RC.001.0130.001

Mulhammar

Sweet rice

RCI-ND.001.0059.001

Mumma's Spaghetti

Mumma's Spaghetti from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.004.0922.001

Mung Bean Pudding

Green mung bean pudding with palm sugar is delicious Khmer Krom dessert. One of many fine products made by Khmer Krom is palm sugar,the best palm sugar is from Mott Chrouk(Chau Doc)province.

RCI-BR.006.0214.001

Muscadine Pudding Tarts

Dessert Recipes by the South Carolina Department of Agriculture, public domain government resource—original source of recipe

RCI-ND.001.0060.001

Mushroom Bolognese

Mushroom Bolognese from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SC.003.0136.001

Mushroom Fat-free Dressing

Source: Eating Smart by Jeanne Jones

RCI-SC.002.0033.001

Mustard and Sour Cream Sauce

In Romanian: Sos de mustar cu smantana

RCI-VG.005.0128.001

Mustard Cabbage Tsukemono

Japanese cabbage pickles.

RCI-MT.002.0186.001

Mustard Greens and Ham Hocks

This recipe came from an estate sale. I obtained it when I purchased the family collection from the Morgan Estate in Austin, Texas in 1982.

RCI-SP.003.0444.001

Mutton Stew

Serves 4 250px|MUTTON STEW

RCI-VG.001.0409.001

My Favorite Oriental Coleslaw

My Favorite Oriental Coleslaw from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.004.0368.001

My Mom's Easter Carrot Cake

This cake is really good. Enjoy.

RCI-BR.003.0283.001

My Mom's Poppy Seed Bread

This recipe was given to me by my friend, Tracy Wernsman. It is very yummy and I know holds a special place in her heart. Enjoy!

RCI-VG.004.0943.001

Mysore Pak

* Ethnicity - South Indian * Type of meal - Party, Lunch, Dinner

RCI-BR.003.0284.001

N00b Makes Buns

I have been told that I cannot cook. Sometimes I have to agree, I burnt my oven pizza tonight. So I wanted to prove that I can to myself and those that doubt my hidden chef talents.

RCI-VG.005.0129.001

Naganegi stuffed with Crabmeat

Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * Serves 6

RCI-SP.006.0046.001

Naing Kuk

Naing Kuk Yield: 4 servings.

RCI-PF.001.0022.001

Namasu

Marinated Daikon and Carrot Salad I've been making this for years. I took a recipe and changed it, it had 30g of carrots, and I like about equal weight of carrot and daikon. I make this using my zester which is nothing like a Microplane zester.

RCI-SC.006.0020.001

Nam Prik

Grilled shrimp nam prik is easy to cook and can be served as an appetizer.

RCI-VG.004.0945.001

Namul I

Bean sprout salad Source: sneakykitchen.com

RCI-DS.004.0188.001

Nana Edith's Peach Dumplings

My Czechoslovakian Nana Edith used to make these every Summer. We'd look forward to her call telling us she found ripe peaches, & to please come to lunch. She taught my mother to make them & she taught me.

RCI-BR.005.0430.001

Nanaimo Bar

are a layered chocolate and custard desert named after the mining town, Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada.

RCI-BR.002.0068.001

Nan-i-Afghani

Afghan bread Contributed by World Recipes Y-Group This Y-group is international. Good food from all parts of the world. A place where we can share the wonderful food from all over the world.

RCI-BR.005.0431.001

Nankatai

Nankatai

RCI-PF.002.0001.001

Napa Cabbage Kim Chee

kim chee is a pickled salad/condiment type food served at virtually every Korean meal. It is often compared to saurkraut. It can be made not only with nappa cabbage, but with types of radishes, greens, or cucumbers.

RCI-DS.003.0222.001

Nariel Laddu

Ethnicity - Assamee, East Indian Type of meal - festive sweets

RCI-RC.004.0188.001

Nasi Lemak with Sambal Ikan Bilis

This is a typical Malay breakfast dish. coconut rice is best served at room temperature when the fragrance of the coconut rice can be best appreciated. Many different dishes maybe served with it but the most crucial is the chillie sauce.

RCI-BR.002.0069.001

Native American Fry Bread

Native American Fry Bread from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.002.0071.001

Navajo Fry Bread

Navajo Fry Bread

RCI-DS.001.0365.001

Nearly-Instant Strawberry Trifle

Makes 10 to 12 servings.

RCI-DS.004.0189.001

Nectarine Meringue Crowns

Nectarine Meringue Crowns from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.007.0087.001

Nectarine Napoleons

Nectarine Napoleons from the Recidemia collection

RCI-DS.004.0190.001

Nectarines in White Zinfandel with Ice Cream

Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * Makes 4 servings

RCI-BR.005.0432.001

Nest Style Biscuits

In Romanian: Pesmeciori cuiburi

RCI-BR.006.0217.001

New England Blueberry Pie

New England Blueberry Pie from the Recidemia collection

New York Cheesecake
RCI-BR.004.0372.001

New York Cheesecake

Arnold Reuben, owner of Turf Restaurant at 49th and Broadway in New York City, developed the recipe for New York cheesecake in 1929 after eating a slice of cheese pie at a friend's home.

RCI-BR.001.0162.001

New York Pretzels

New York Pretzels Though reminiscent of the warm soft pretzels you may have had at baseball games or on the street, these are even better because they're fresh. Serve with yellow mustard.

RCI-MT.003.0065.001

New Zealand Baby Lamb Chops

1 serving Baby Lamb Chops