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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.001.0472.001

Rice Florentine

Makes 10 servings

RCI-DS.001.0473.001

Rice Flour Pudding

right|Rice Flour Pudding

RCI-BV.009.0065.001

Rice Juice

Yield: 6 servings

RCI-DS.003.0269.001

Rice Krispies Balls

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

RCI-DS.001.0474.001

Rice 'n' Strawberry Pudding

Makes 8 servings

RCI-DS.001.0477.001

Rice Pudding II

Commonly known as Bengali kheer in India this recipe is a great dessert or snack for all dosha types.

RCI-MT.005.0253.001

Rice-studded Meatballs

Description cooking and prep time. 45 minutes.

RCI-BR.006.0292.001

Rice Tarts

Makes 12 tarts.

RCI-DS.001.0478.001

Rice with Milk I

In Romanian: Orez cu lapte I

RCI-DS.001.0479.001

Rice with Milk II

In Romanian: Orez cu lapte II

RCI-BR.004.0452.001

Rich and Easy Egg Free Chocolate Cake

My parents own a traditionally-run sheep farm in the Falkland Islands. Cruise ship tourists come to visit and enjoy the experience. I cook this chocolate cake for my mum to serve to her visitors.

RCI-BR.004.0453.001

Rich Banana Cake

Rich Banana Cake from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.004.0454.001

Rich Chocolate Cake

Rich Chocolate Cake from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.004.0455.001

Ricotta Blueberry Cake

BY Toplitzin Now it is time for my tasty Ricotta Blueberry Cake. it would please me to have you follow along. ready? good.

RCI-BR.005.0534.001

Ricotta Cheese Cookies

Ricotta Cheese Cookies Simply the best!

RCI-SN.001.0320.001

Ricotta Filling

Contributed by World Recipes Y-Group This Y-group is

RCI-ND.002.0113.001

Ricotta Lasagne

Ricotta Lasagne is a baked pasta dish.

RCI-DS.001.0480.001

Risdessertrand

This is a traditional Christmas dessert that is used in the days after Christmas. You can also fill small dessert bowls to give to the kids as a little extra.

RCI-RC.005.0075.001

Riso Latte Dulce

Makes 6 servings.

RCI-BR.006.0293.001

Ritz Cracker "Apple" Pie

I learned about this recipe when my brother, still in middle school, came home saying that he could get extra credit by making it. It's an "apple" pie recipe that uses no apples; which of course means that it's even worse for you than the real McCoy.

RCI-DS.001.0481.001

Rizogalo I

right|Rice milk sweet (Rizogalo) Greek rice milk sweet dessert From "Catsrecipes Y-Group"

RCI-SN.004.0141.001

Roasted Almonds with Rosemary Fleur de Sel

If whole blanched almonds aren't available, substitute whole raw almonds with skin on.

RCI-VG.001.0483.001

Roasted Eggplant, Tomato and Arugula Salad

Roasted Eggplant, Tomato and Arugula from the Public Health Cookbook by the Seattle & King County Department of Public Health—original source of recipe, public domain government resource Serves: 4

RCI-MT.003.0077.001

Roasted Kangaroo Leg

This is roasted kangaroo meat, from Australia. In Australia it is not uncommon to eat the marsupial kangaroo. Most good restaurants and hotels will often have this meat on their menu. It can be served in many ways.

RCI-SN.001.0323.001

Roasted Red Pepper Dip

Red Pepper Dip from the Public Health Cookbook by the Seattle and King County Department of Public Health—original source of recipe, government resource in the public domain : 30 minutes : 12

RCI-MT.003.0080.001

Roast Leg of Lamb with Small Onions

This recipe came from an estate sale. I obtained it when I purchased the family collection from the Wadley Estate in Allen, Texas in 1990.

RCI-BR.003.0355.001

Rock Buns

300px| Rock Buns

RCI-DS.002.0157.001

Rocky road ice cream

Rocky road ice cream is an ice cream flavor, second only to vanilla in popularity in the United States. Though there are variations on the flavor, it is traditionally composed of chocolate ice cream, nuts and marshmallows.

RCI-SP.003.0563.001

Rødbedsuppe

Beet Soup - Serves 6 Beet Soup - Rødbedsuppe

Rogaliki
RCI-BR.005.0536.001

Rogaliki

Rogaliki

RCI-BR.001.0223.001

Roggenbrot

right

RCI-BR.004.0457.001

Rolled Cake with Marmalade or Preserves

In Romanian: Rulada cu marmelada sau dulceata

RCI-BR.005.0537.001

Rolled Oats, Fruit and Nut Cookies

Rolled Oats, Fruit and Nut Cookies from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.008.0186.001

Rolled Wafers

Rolled Wafers from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.001.0225.001

Rolls from Guam

Rolls from Guam from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BV.003.0068.001

Root Beer Fizz

Root Beer Fizz from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.003.0357.001

Rose Geranium Biscuits

A recipe using Scented Rose Geranium leaves and flowers (Pelargonium Graveolens).

RCI-BV.007.0132.001

Rose Lassi

Rose Lassi from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.001.0226.001

Rosemary Bread

Rosemary Bread from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BV.004.0145.001

Rose Petals Rosé Wine

RCI-BR.004.0459.001

Rose Water Madeleines

Makes about 2 dozen.

RCI-DS.002.0158.001

Rosy Rhubarb Sherbet

Rosy Rhubarb Sherbet from the Recidemia collection

Roti Prata
RCI-BR.002.0094.001

Roti Prata

A mamak(Indian Muslim) specialty, this delicious bread is a popular round the clock snack served in many 24hr coffeeshops. There are several variations, either served plain or with eggs/minced mutton and Onion(called murtabak) wrapped in.

RCI-VG.001.0491.001

Rotkrautsalat

Great, Grandma's recipe!

RCI-BR.001.0227.001

Rrženi Kruh

Rye bread

RCI-BV.001.0166.001

Rum and Peach Mint Julep

Contributed by Lil at Catsrecipes Y-Group * Source: old

RCI-BR.004.0460.001

Rum Cake

This recipe is from Trinidad in the Caribbean. The islands are famous for their rums and many of the recipes include it. If you like rum, you'll love this recipe.

RCI-BR.004.0461.001

Rumkage

Danish rum cake - Makes 1 cake Rum Cake - Rumkage

RCI-DS.003.0277.001

Rupsades or Portuguese Candy

This recipe taken from www.Portuguese-recipes.com

RCI-BR.001.0228.001

Rusks

A rusk is a slice of yeast bread (thick or thin) that is baked until dry, crisp and golden brown. Some breads used for this purpose are slightly sweetened. Rusks, plain or flavored, are available in most supermarkets.