
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)
Sizzling Chicken Salad with California Avocado Cilantro Dressing
Sizzling Chicken Salad with California Avocado Cilantro Dressing from the Recidemia collection
Sloppy Joes III
Sloppy Joes III from the Recidemia collection
Smoked Sausage and Ham Jambalaya
Recipe by: PrinceofNessus Uploaded by Drimble Wedge Oklahoma is a state that finds itself at a culinary crossroads.
Smoked Yellow Pepper Vinaigrette
Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * This recipe yields
Smørdejgssnitter
Butter rolls Makes 18 rolls Butter Rolls - Smørdejgssnitter
Snappy Ginger Muffins
=Snappy Ginger Muffins=
Snowballs for July
Contributed by World Recipes Y-Group * Yield: 72 Serv
Soba Noodles
Soba Noodles This is my aunt's recipe. It makes a ton! Good for potlucks.
Soft almond cookies
Soft almond cookies from the Recidemia collection
Soft Jumbles
Soft Jumbles from the Recidemia collection
Soft molasses cookies
Soft molasses cookies from the Recidemia collection
Soft Molasses Cookies
Contributed by World Recipes Y-Group
Soji
Soji from the Recidemia collection
Somlah Machoo Soup
Serving Size: 4
Sopa de Amendoim
Peanut Soup from Curaçao, or a Caribbean chicken and peanut soup
Sopión
Sopión from the Recidemia collection
Soufflet Fritters
Soufflet Fritters from the Recidemia collection
Souper Tomato Dressing
Soup, Tomato, Canned, Condensed by the US Department of Agriculture, public domain government resource—original source of recipe Serves: 32
Soupy Oatmeal
excellent for the winter months
Sour Cherry Dumplings
Sour Cherry Dumplings from the Recidemia collection
Sour Cream Cole Slaw
Sour Cream Cole Slaw from the Recidemia collection
Sour Cream Dessert Omelet
Serves 5
Sour Cream Drop Cookies
Sour Cream Drop Cookies from the Recidemia collection
Sour Cream Fudge with Walnuts
Contributed by World Recipes Y-Group * Makes about 1¼
Sour Cream Waffles
.
Sourdough Beer Bread
Not a dense bread. It's a rustic looking loaf that ought to be just the thing with stews or hearty soups. With only 2 cups of flour, this makes a small (14 oz) loaf with a crunchy crust and a light interior.
Sousboontjies
Sweet and sour beans in sauce. Modern South African “sousboontjies” are made from a speckled bean known as a sugar beans (lima beans).
Southern Banana Pudding
Purchased from the Miller Estate in Wills Point, Texas in 1992. Dated 1908.
Southern Cole Slaw
This can be made in a food processor or with a shredder. Best made in food processor.
Southern Cornbread
- This is a hearty, unsweetened variety of cornbread, which is widely served in the Southeastern United States. It is easy to make--and is usually served as the bread portion of lunch or dinner (supper).
Southwestern Chili
Southwestern Chili from the Recidemia collection
SouthWestern-Style Black Bean Salad
Serves: 6 servings Calories: 303 calories Prep Time: 20 mintues Occasion: Any Effort: Easy
Soy Snickerdoodles
Soy Snickerdoodles from the Recidemia collection
Space Cake
Cake
Spanish Cake
A rich loaf cake heavily spiced and studded with plump Raisins.
Spanish Cream
A silky, cool old-fashioned dessert, prep time includes chilling.
Spanish Cream Pie
An old fashioned diner type pie. Lower fat due to no egg yolks, but still so delicious!
Spanish Dressing
Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group
Spanish Rice and Ham
Spanish Rice and Ham from the Recidemia collection
Spanish Rice II
Contributed by World Recipes Y-Group This Y-group is
Spanish Walnut Cake
This is a simply delectable cake with a fine crumb and a rich, spicy flavor. The addition of walnuts make this cake a little more toothy and wholesome.
Sparkling Strawberry Ice
Sparkling Strawberry Ice from the Recidemia collection
Special Garlic Dressing
Special garlic Dressing from the Smoke House Restaurant From "Catsrecipes Y-Group" Source: my old recipes
Special K Bars I
Contributed by Paula in California at Catsrecipes Y-Grou
Special Layered Cake with Cacao
In Romanian: Tort special cu cacao
Special Occasion Orange Pecan Biscotti
Purchased from the O'Reilly Estate in Fort Worth, Texas in 1988. Marked as Bessie’s favorite biscotti “sells well at bake sales”. Notation indicates this came from a 1960’s Ladies Home Journal. Exact date unknown.
Spehovka
Bacon bread
Spelt Bread
Bread Recipes
Spelt Yellow Cake
A recipe for a spelt cake; an ancient-wheat alternative to yellow cake.
SPICE CAKE
SPICE CAKE