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.
Recipes Using sugar (2,656)
Panna Cotta with Balsamic Strawberries
Copyright 2007, Ina Garten, All Rights Reserved Show: Barefoot Contessa Episode: Shore Thing From "Catsrecipes Y-Group"
Papaw Upside-down Cake
Papaw Upside-down Cake from the Recidemia collection
Papaya Balls
This recipe comes from a friend of mine from Trinidad. She serves these candies every Christmas.
Papaya Coleslaw
Papaya Coleslaw from the Recidemia collection
Papaya-Mint Sorbet
Papaya-Mint Sorbet from the Recidemia collection
Papaya Oatmeal Squares
Papaya Oatmeal Squares from the Recidemia collection
Papos de Anjo
right| Papos de Anjo
Pappardelle and Provençal Sauce
This is a simple pasta dinner that's easy to prepare and is loaded full of flavor. If you can't find pappardelle noodles in your grocery store, you can use any other type of ribbon pasta available.
Pareve Strawberry Rhubarb Pie
8 servings, may be frozen
Parisian Chocolate Mousse II
Jersey Fresh Recipes, public domain government resource, recipe contributed by Linda Robinson—original source of recipe
Party Perfect Poached Pears
A beautiful simple dessert absolutely perfect for a dinner party. Use that bottle of wine that's been collecting dust in the back of your cupboard (you know the one) - it will work great in this classic dish!
Party Sushi Rolls
Sushi, a representative food of japan, is a vinegared rice garnished with an assortment of fresh vegetables, fish and seasonings. You'll find many of the ingredients ... And the bamboo mat ... At an oriental food store.
Paska I
Easter Bread.
Passover Bagel
Passover Bagel from the Recidemia collection
Passover Beet Preserves
Passover Beet Preserves from the Recidemia collection
Passover Brownies
These are kosher for Passover.
Passover Brownies I
Passover Brownies I from the Recidemia collection
Passover Chocolate Chiffon Cake
Passover Chocolate Chiffon Cake from the Recidemia collection
Passover Chocolate Chip Cookies
Passover Chocolate Chip Cookies from the Recidemia collection
Passover Chocolate Mandrin Torte
Passover Chocolate Mandrin Torte from the Recidemia collection
Passover Chocolate Sponge Cake
Passover Chocolate Sponge Cake from the Recidemia collection
Passover Forgotten Torte with Raspberry Sauce
You can make both the billowy white torte and its sauce ahead of time. That's convenient for serving during the seder.
Passover Hazelnut Chocolate Loaf
Passover Hazelnut Chocolate Loaf from the Recidemia collection
Passover Hot Dog Roll-ups
Passover Hot Dog Roll-ups from the Recidemia collection
Passover Lemon Pavlova
Passover Lemon Pavlova from the Recidemia collection
Passover Mandelbread
Passover Mandelbread from the Recidemia collection
Passover Rhubarb Cobbler
Passover Rhubarb Cobbler from the Recidemia collection
Passover Rolls
Passover Rolls from the Recidemia collection
Pasta with Meat in Bourbon Sauce
I first ate a slightly different version of this recipe at an American Diner's called Sparky's in Chennai. The Not-so-skinny chef there had served the dish with chicken steak.
PasteldeNada
PasteldeNada from the Recidemia collection
Pastel de Tres Leches
Pastel de Tres Leches from the Recidemia collection
Pastelitos
Literally "little pies". With sweet fillings they can used as desserts and with savory fillings, either as side dishes or snacks.
Pastelles
Pastelles from the Recidemia collection
Pat Egan's Christmas Tree Cookies
These second-place winning cookies are easily shaped into trees that are edged with glittery green sugar. " Source: Chicago Tribune Annual Food Guide holiday cookie contest December 8, 1988.
Paula's Nutty Brittle
From Savannah's Candy Man Recipe courtesy Paula Deen, 2007 Show: Paula's Party Episode: Candy Connection From "Catsrecipes Y-Group"
Paula's Three Bean Salad
Here is an easy salad recipe you can prepare for your family or take to your next family get-together.
Paw-Paw and Coconut Drink
Peach and Blueberry Crisp and Old-fashioned Oats
Contributed by [http://groups.yahoo.com/group/catsrecipes/ Catsrecipes Y-Group]
Peach and Blueberry Crisp I
Contributed by Nancy at [http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/Healthy_Recipes_For_Diabetic_Friends/
Peach Cobbler
Peach cobbler is a a good portion of fruit and bread.
Peach Corn Bread Muffins
Please add a description. Peach Corn Bread Muffins with Butter milk.
Peach Daiquiri Ice
Peach Daiquiri Ice from the Recidemia collection
Peach Dessert Pancakes
Makes 12 servings, about 24 four-inch pancakes.
Peaches and Cream Kuchen
This recipe came from an estate sale. I obtained it when I purchased the family collection from the Forrest Estate in Denton, Texas in 1992.
Peachy Berry Freeze
Peachy Berry Freeze from the Recidemia collection
Peachy Cream Cheese Danish
This recipe came from an estate sale. I obtained it when I purchased the family collection from the Cartwright Estate in Richardson, Texas in 2002.
Peachy Ham Slice
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.
Peanut Butter Chocolate Rice Krispie Treats
Peanut Butter Chocolate Rice Krispie Treats from the Recidemia collection
Peanut Butter Coconut Bars
Peanut Butter Coconut Bars from the Recidemia collection
Peanut Butter Cookie Pops
Peanut Butter Cookie Pops from the Recidemia collection