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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-BR.001.0192.001

Paska I

Easter Bread.

RCI-BR.003.0311.001

Passover Bagel

Passover Bagel from the Recidemia collection

RCI-DS.005.0036.001

Passover Beet Preserves

Passover Beet Preserves from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.005.0473.001

Passover Brownies

These are kosher for Passover.

RCI-BR.005.0474.001

Passover Brownies I

Passover Brownies I from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.004.0395.001

Passover Chocolate Chiffon Cake

Passover Chocolate Chiffon Cake from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.005.0475.001

Passover Chocolate Chip Cookies

Passover Chocolate Chip Cookies from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.004.0396.001

Passover Chocolate Mandrin Torte

Passover Chocolate Mandrin Torte from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.004.0397.001

Passover Chocolate Sponge Cake

Passover Chocolate Sponge Cake from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.004.0398.001

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.

RCI-BR.004.0399.001

Passover Hazelnut Chocolate Loaf

Passover Hazelnut Chocolate Loaf from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SW.003.0057.001

Passover Hot Dog Roll-ups

Passover Hot Dog Roll-ups from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.004.0400.001

Passover Lemon Pavlova

Passover Lemon Pavlova from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.005.0478.001

Passover Mandelbread

Passover Mandelbread from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.004.0401.001

Passover orange walnut cake

Passover orange walnut cake from the Recidemia collection

RCI-DS.004.0202.001

Passover Rhubarb Cobbler

Passover Rhubarb Cobbler from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.003.0313.001

Passover Rolls

Passover Rolls from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.006.0237.001

Pasta Frola

Pasta Frola from the Recidemia collection

Pasta with Meat in Bourbon Sauce
RCI-ND.002.0095.001

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.

RCI-BR.007.0092.001

PasteldeNada

PasteldeNada from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.004.0403.001

Pastel de Tres Leches

Pastel de Tres Leches from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.007.0093.001

Pastelitos

Literally "little pies". With sweet fillings they can used as desserts and with savory fillings, either as side dishes or snacks.

RCI-SN.005.0050.001

Pastelles

Pastelles from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.005.0479.001

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.

RCI-SN.004.0121.001

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"

RCI-VG.004.1007.001

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.

RCI-BV.009.0060.001

Paw-Paw and Coconut Drink

RCI-SN.004.0122.001

Peach and Blueberry Crisp and Old-fashioned Oats

Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group

RCI-DS.004.0203.001

Peach and Blueberry Crisp I

Contributed by Nancy at

RCI-BR.006.0244.001

Peach Cobbler

Peach cobbler is a a good portion of fruit and bread.

RCI-BR.003.0315.001

Peach Corn Bread Muffins

Please add a description. Peach Corn Bread Muffins with Butter milk.

RCI-DS.002.0143.001

Peach Daiquiri Ice

Peach Daiquiri Ice from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.008.0160.001

Peach Dessert Pancakes

Makes 12 servings, about 24 four-inch pancakes.

RCI-BR.004.0404.001

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.

RCI-DS.002.0146.001

Peachy Berry Freeze

Peachy Berry Freeze from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.007.0094.001

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.

RCI-MT.002.0202.001

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.

RCI-DS.003.0239.001

Peanut Butter Chocolate Rice Krispie Treats

Peanut Butter Chocolate Rice Krispie Treats from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.005.0480.001

Peanut Butter Coconut Bars

Peanut Butter Coconut Bars from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.005.0481.001

Peanut Butter Cookie Pops

Peanut Butter Cookie Pops from the Recidemia collection

Peanut Butter Cookies
RCI-BR.005.0482.002

Peanut Butter Cookies

are one of the most popular kinds of cookies.

RCI-SC.003.0155.001

Peanut Butter Dressing

Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group

RCI-BR.003.0316.001

Peanut Butter Muffins

Peanut & Pecan Recipes by the South Carolina Department of Agriculture, public domain government resource—original source of recipe Cook Time: 30 – 45 minutes Serves: 12

RCI-ND.005.0109.001

Peanut Butter Noodles

Try this recipe for a change from the usual and common Pasta/noodles recipe.

RCI-BR.006.0248.002

Peanut Butter Pie

Peanut & Pecan Recipes by the South Carolina

RCI-BR.006.0248.001

Peanut Butter Pie

American cuisine vegetarian cuisine Holiday Recipes dessert

RCI-BR.005.0488.001

Peanut butter whirls

Peanut butter whirls from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.005.0490.001

Peanut Cookies II

Peanut Cookies II from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.003.0317.001

Peanut Gems

Peanut Gems from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SN.004.0126.001

Peanut Kanyah

Peanut Kanyah from the Recidemia collection