
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)
Tres Leches Costa Rica
milk cake
Tres Leches or Milk cake
Tres Leches or Milk cake from the Recidemia collection
Tres Leches/ Three Milks
Tres Leches/ Three Milks from the Recidemia collection
Tri-colored Autumn Rice Balls
(San-Shoku Ohagi) Ohagi is a simple a tea sweet, which was at one time served during the autumn equinox celebration. The name comes from a type of bush clover that only blooms in the fall. Serve these rice balls with your finest cup of tea.
Trini Cole Slaw
Serves: accordingly Prep Time: 7-10 minutes Occasion: Any Effort: Easy
Trinidad Black Cake
Fruit cake.
Trinidadian Banana Fritters
Trinidadian Banana Fritters from the Recidemia collection
Trinidad Sweet Bread
*
Triple-chocolate Fudge
Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * Source: Taste of t
Triple-chocolate Fudge Brownies
Jersey Fresh Recipes, public domain government resource, recipe contributed by Amy Dye—original source of recipe
Triple-layer Cheesecake
Triple-layer Cheesecake from the Recidemia collection
Tropcial Rice Pudding
Makes 6 to 8 servings.
Tropical fish punch
Tropical fish punch from the Recidemia collection
Tropical Fritter Snacks
I took a long detour around a pineapple fritter recipe and concocted these. We found them to be quite tasty.
Tropical Island Chicken
Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * Source: Taste of H
Tropical Papaya Salad
Tropical Papaya Salad from the Recidemia collection
Tropical Tofu-Rice Pudding
Makes 10 servings.
Tropical Whip
There is no end to the variety of Tropical Whips you can make using different fruits in different combinations. Use the same proportions as in this recipe and you will have a lovely dessert.
Tucson Lemon Bars
Tucson Lemon Bars Jeanne has provided a very tasty Lemon Bars recipe that, as it turns out, appears to be an Omani dessert. Her recipe is for only half the size, and without a glaze.
Tunisian Farka
Tunisian Farka, Serves 8
Turkey with Quinces
In Romanian: Curcan cu gutui
Turkish Delight
or (also loukoum), is a confection made from starch and sugar. It is often flavored with rosewater or lemon, the former giving it a characteristic pale pink color.
Turkish-style Green Beans with Leeks and Carrots
Turkish-style Green Beans with Leeks and Carrots from the Recidemia collection
Turron de Vino
300px| Turron de Vino Wine meringue This recipe is for 8 to 10 serving
Tutti-Fruitti Rice Custard
Makes 8 servings.
Two-pepper Shrimp
Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * 4 servings
Ultimate Brownies
Makes about 36 brownies.
Uncle Gordo's Belgian Waffles
Purchased from Neeley Estate in Waxahachie, Texas in 1994. Dated 1947.
Unique Sandwich Spread
This recipe came from an estate sale. I obtained it when I purchased the family collection from the Williams Estate in Tyler, Texas in 1994.
Upside Down Cherry Pudding
Upside Down Cherry Pudding from the Recidemia collection
USDA Coleslaw
Humble cabbage becomes coleslaw when mixed with salad dressing and other tasty ingredients.
USDA Muffins
From: Breads, Cakes and Pies in Family Meals Serves: 12 (makes 12 medium-size muffins) Calories per muffin: About 150
Valentine Bread
Contributed by Jenn b aka Mom2sam and Tiny at World Re
Valentine French Kisses
Contributed by Jenn b aka Mom2sam and Tiny at World Re
Valentine Heart Cake
Contributed by Jenn b aka Mom2sam and Tiny at World Re
Valentine Meringue Hearts
Valentine Meringue Hearts from the Recidemia collection
Valentine's Day Microwave Fudge
Contributed by World Recipes Y-Group
Valentine's Heart Cake
Valentine's Heart Cake Yield: 4 servings, 1 eight-inch cake
Vanilla Caramel
Vanilla Caramel from the Recidemia collection
Vanilla Charlotte
In Romanian: Sarlota de vanilie
Vanilla Cookies
Vanilla Cookies from the Recidemia collection
Vanilla Cream II
In Romanian: crema de vanilie II
Vanilla Cream Pudding
Milk, Nonfat, Dry Non-Instant by the US Department of Agriculture, public domain government resource—original source of recipe Serves: 6
Vanilla Crescents (Vanilkove rohlicky)
Vanilla Crescents (Vanilkove rohlicky) from the Recidemia collection
Vanilla Fudge
The delicious treat from heaven made easy for you to make at home.
Vanilla Pecan Ice Cream
This is a recipe I obtained from an estate sale. I obtained it when I purchased the family collection from the Hager estate in Canton, Texas in 1982.
Vanilla Rice Custard Freeze
Makes 8 servings.
Vanilla Wafers
Vanilla Wafers from the Recidemia collection
Varm Frugtsuppe
Warm Fruit Soup - Serves 6 Warm Fruit Soup - Varm Frugtsuppe
Varm Kålstuvning
Hot Slaw - Serves 6 Hot Slaw - Varm Kålstuvning