
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)
New Zealand Kiwi Cheesecake
1 hour preparation.
New Zealand Pavlova
This is a traditional New Zealand summer dessert, rich and sweet easy to make and very impressive. Can be made ahead and frozen for a week or two. As yet have not found anyone who dislikes it.
Ngalakh
My husband's favorite, also spelled "ngalax", "ngallakh" or "ngallax".
Niamiha Cutlet
Niamiha Cutlet from the Recidemia collection
Nicaraguan Mixed Vegetable Salad
Nicaraguan Mixed Vegetable Salad from the Recidemia collection
Nicaraguan Pickled Onions
Nicaraguan Pickled Onions from the Recidemia collection
Nigerian Beef Fried Rice
serves 2
Nigerian Black Bean Salad
Chill, and serve
Nigerian Chicken Salad
Use up leftover Chicken! Best when allowed to chill for a couple of hours.
Nigerian Garlic
12 servings
Nikujyaga
Beef and vegetable stew Nikujyaga (Beef and Vegetable Stew)
No-bake Peanut Butter Cookie
Contributed by Paula in California at Catsrecipes Y-Grou
No cholesterol chocolate cake
No cholesterol chocolate cake from the Recidemia collection
No-cholesterol Fruit-filled Muffins
No-cholesterol Fruit-filled Muffins from the Recidemia collection
No fat, no salt vanilla ice cream
No fat, no salt vanilla ice cream from the Recidemia collection
No-fat Potato Salad
Beef Teriyaki (Goes great with this!)
No-guilt cheesecake
No-guilt cheesecake from the Recidemia collection
No-Knead Bread
No-Knead Bread from the Recidemia collection
No-Knead Cheddar Rolls
No-Knead Cheddar Rolls from the Recidemia collection
Non-Alcoholic Tiramisu
Non-Alcoholic Tiramisu from the Recidemia collection
Noni Afghani I
These small oval breads are baked in a tandoor, the stove of the region—sometimes buried in the ground as it is in India. The Afghan oven is above ground and is of rounded bricks.
Noodles with Walnuts
In Romanian: Taitei cu nuci
Nopalito Pie
Also known as Cactus Pie
Norm's Banana Nut Bread
This is Norm's recipe from Norm's Gourmet Works in Negril, Jamaica.
North American Haggis
North American Haggis
North Carolina Chopped Barbecued Pork
Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group
North Carolina Eastern-style Slaw
Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * Excerpt from page
North Carolina Watermelon Muffins
Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group
North Carolina Watermelon Pickles
Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group
Norwegian Apple Pie
Norwegian Apple Pie
Norwegian Berry Pudding
Many different types of berries are grown during the summer months in Norway.
Norwegian Red Cabbage
Red Cabbage
Norwegian Rice
Norwegian Rice
Norwegian Rolls
This recipe came from an estate sale. It was obtained when the family collection was purchased from the Burnett Estate in Terrell, Texas in 1981.
Norwegian Waffles
Adapted from a Scandinavian Cooking recipe by Beatrice Ojakangas. Note: the waffles are traditionally served cold with fruit and whipped cream. Serves 4 to 6. Makes 8 waffles or 40 heart-shaped waffles.
No Sin-namon Buns
.
Nostalgia Date Nut Loaf
Nostalgia Date Nut Loaf from the Recidemia collection
Nthochi Bread
Banana bread
Num Ta Leng Sap
Num Ta Leng Sap from the Recidemia collection
Nuoc Cham
Nuoc Cham is the name of the Spicy Fish Sauce. This sauce can be served with soups.
Nuoc Cham Dipping Sauce
A dipping sauce for Vietnamese rolls, like the Soft Rolls with Crab
Nut and Banana Salad
Salad with nuts and bananas.
Nut Cookies I
Nut Cookies I from the Recidemia collection
Nut Kolacky
Nut Kolacky from the Recidemia collection
Nut Macaroons
Nut Macaroons from the Recidemia collection
Nutmeg Strawberry Muffins
Nutmeg Strawberry Muffins from the Recidemia collection
Nutty Blueberry Cobbler
Fruit & Vegetable Recipes I by the South Carolina Department of Agriculture, public domain government resource—original source of recipe Serves: 6-8
Oatmeal Banana Cookies
Oatmeal Banana Cookies from the Recidemia collection
Oatmeal-Banana Muffins
Makes 12 muffins
Oatmeal Cherry Braid
Oatmeal Cherry Braid from the Recidemia collection