
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)
Peanut Pattie
Peanut Pattie from the Recidemia collection
Peanut Sauce
Peanut Sauce from the Recidemia collection
Peanuts-Nougat
Peanuts-Nougat from the Recidemia collection
Pear Caramel Ice Cream
Pear Caramel Ice Cream from the Recidemia collection
Pear chutney
is served as a side dish for many Indian foods. It can be mild to extra hot depending on the individual preference.
Pear-Lemon Tea Loaf
Pear-Lemon Tea Loaf from the Recidemia collection
Pears with Nut Stuffing
Pears with Nut Stuffing
Pear Zinfandel Ice
Pear Zinfandel Ice from the Recidemia collection
Peas Pagoda From Taiwan
Peas Pagoda From Taiwan from the Recidemia collection
Peas with Sour Cream
In Romanian: Mazare cu smantana.
Pecan and Butter Pretzel Coffee Cake
Pecan and Butter Pretzel Coffee Cake from the Recidemia collection
Pecan Caramel Thumbprints Cookies with Powdered Sugar
Contributed by World Recipes Y-Group * This recipe ma
Pecan Cookies
Pecan Cookies from the Recidemia collection
Pecan Crunchies
Recipe by: Aerienne Uploaded by Drimble Wedge
Pecan Flan
This is a really sweet pecan pie alternative. Slightly more gooey, but just as delicious, it doesn't take forever to make but looks delicious on the table. I've gotten killer compliments every time I make this.
Pecan Oatmeal Cookies
Pecan Oatmeal Cookies from the Recidemia collection
Pecan Peach Crêpes
Pecan Peach Crêpes from the Recidemia collection
Pecan Roll
Contributed by Paula in California via Catsrecipes Y-Gro
Pelotazo Malagueno
A speciality of Malaga - pitch black ice cream
Pengat Pisang
Banana in coconut milk
Penne Pasta with Tomato Cream Sauce
Penne Pasta with Tomato Cream Sauce from the Recidemia collection
Pennsylvania Dutch Breakfast Cake
A fine recipe for a Sunday breakfast or brunch. Serve with fresh fruit.
Pepes Ikan
Pepes is cooking method of steaming the ingredients (fish, chicken, tofu, or mushroom) wrapped in banana leaves until it becomes tender, then grilling the packets. In this recipe any fresh water fish or salt water fish can be used as substitute.
Pepper Cole Slaw
This is an adaptation of a Frugal Gourmet (Jeff Smith) recipe. It is delicious the second and third day.
Peppermint Cloud Rice Pie
Makes 6 servings
Peppermint Hot Chocolate
Recipe by Hooked on Heat
Peppermint Wafers
Peppermint Wafers from the Recidemia collection
Pepper Onion Relish
This recipe came from an estate sale. I obtained it when I purchased the family collection from the Lynch Estate in Garland, Texas in 1994.
Pepperpot
Pepperpot from the Recidemia collection
Peppers and Cauliflower in Vinegar
In Romanian: Legume asortate in otet
Peppers in vinegar
peppers in vinegars are much liked salad in all Balkan countries. One can buy them in tins.
Peppers in vinegar Romanian Style
In Romanian: Gogosari in otet in stil romanesc
Pepper Slaw
Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * Source: Marlboro C
Perfectly Chocolate Hot Cocoa
Makes 1 serving
Persian Apricot Rice Pudding
I found this recipe online, and had to post it here. I really really,really love recipes like this. My dad is from England, so he loves his rice pudding, and this is a really, nice twist on the plaid version!
Peruvian Cream
Peruvian Cream from the Recidemia collection
Peruvian Flan
Peruvian Flan
Peruvian Gingerbread
Peruvian Gingerbread
Peruvian Rice Pudding
Peruvian Rice Pudding from the Recidemia collection
Pesach Popovers
Pesach Popovers from the Recidemia collection
Pfeffernusse
Literally translated as "peppernuts", these small, crisp, pepper (spice) cookies are a family treat at Christmas. While some recipes call for black or white pepper, this recipe does not.
Picante Sauce
Picante Sauce from the Recidemia collection
Pice Bach
Welsh Cakes
Pichi Pichi
Pichi Pichi from the Recidemia collection
Pickert
This is the traditional Lippischer , a type of potato dish somewhere between a dumpling and a pancake.
Pickled Corn Relish
Purchased from Woods Estate in Canton, Texas in 1988. Dated 1941.

Pickled Eggs
Pickled Eggs
Pickled Eggs
Pickled Eggs from the Recidemia collection
Pickled gherkins
Traditional Estonian pickled gherkins are made in a large wooden barrel. cucumbers are placed between layers of blackcurrant leaves, dill stalks and slices of horse radish.
Pickled Ginger
Beni shoga - that pink pickled ginger in sushi bars From "Catsrecipes Y-Group"