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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.001.0092.001

Bua Loi

Cuisine of Thailand or

RCI-DS.001.0095.001

Bubur Cha Cha

Sweet Potato in coconut milk

RCI-BR.001.0039.001

Buchteln

jpg|actual size Originally, Buchteln were a Bohemian sweet dish. However, in the course of time they have become part of the traditional Austrian cuisine. Grammatically, a singular form of Buchteln, namely Buchtel, exists.

RCI-BV.003.0016.001

Buffalo Steaks with Chipotle-Coffee Rub

From "Healthy Recipes For Diabetic Friends Y-Group" Makes 4 servings

RCI-BR.001.0040.001

Buhteljni

Baked sweet dumplings

RCI-VG.004.0162.001

Bulgogi I

Bulgogi

RCI-BR.005.0095.001

Burple Nurples

Burple Nurples from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.005.0096.001

Butter Cookies

.

RCI-SC.001.0012.001

Buttercream Icing

Buttercream Icing is a creamy smooth frosting, great for decorating.

RCI-BR.008.0038.001

Buttermilk Corn Cakes

This recipe came from an estate sale. I obtained it when I purchased the family collection from the Steep Estate in Elmo, Texas in 1989.

RCI-BR.003.0112.001

Buttermilk Rusks

Buttermilk Rusks from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.004.0076.001

Butterscotch Cheesecake with Chocolate Drizzle

Butterscotch Cheesecake with Chocolate Drizzle from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.005.0098.001

Butter Strips

Butter Strips

RCI-BR.005.0099.001

Buzzards' Nests

Buzzards' Nests from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.004.0167.001

Cabbage and Carrot Fry

Cabbage and Carrot Fry from the Recidemia collection

RCI-PF.001.0008.001

Cabbage and Carrot Relish

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-SP.003.0112.001

Cabbage and Chicken Soup

* Source: The New Soul Food Cookbook for People with Diabetes, published by the American Diabetes As

RCI-ND.003.0001.001

Cabbage Manicotti

Fruit & Vegetable Recipes I by the South Carolina Department of Agriculture, public domain government resource—original source of recipe Serves: 10 – 12

Cabbage Rolls
RCI-VG.005.0022.001

Cabbage Rolls

Cabbage rolls is a traditional common side for North American dinners.

RCI-VG.001.0082.001

Cabbage Slaw with Dill

Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * 6-8 servings

RCI-VG.001.0084.001

Cachumbar

Cachumbar is a salad relish most commonly served with Indian curries. There many different versions; this one will leave your mouth feeling cool and fresh after a spicy meal.

RCI-BV.006.0005.001

Cafe au Lait Punch

Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * Source: River Road

RCI-BV.008.0014.001

Cafe Royale

Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group * Source: my old rec

RCI-BV.004.0047.001

Caipirinha

Caipirinha Brazil's national cocktail of lime, sugar and sugarcane liquor.

RCI-DS.001.0098.001

Cajeta Flan

Cajeta Flan from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.001.0086.001

Cajun Coleslaw

I serve this slaw with grilled foods that have been seasoned with a cajun or creole dry rub.

RCI-SP.004.0054.001

Cajun-style Chicken Stew

Cajun-style Chicken Stew from the Recidemia collection

Cake Brownies
RCI-BR.005.0100.002

Cake Brownies

These are somewhat less dense and almost cake-like compared to ready made mixtures one would buy from a store.

RCI-BR.005.0100.001

Cake Brownies

These are somewhat less dense and almost cake-like compared to ready made mixtures one would buy from a store.

RCI-BR.004.0079.001

Cake Diamonds soaked with Syrup

Cake Diamonds soaked with Syrup from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.005.0101.001

Cake Mix Brownies

These brownies are easy to make and take very little preparation time. A crowd with a sweet tooth will enjoy them!

RCI-BR.004.0080.001

Cake Mix Coffeecake

Contributed by Cat's Recipes Y-Group * Date and source

RCI-BR.004.0081.001

Cake with Apricot Marmalade

In Romanian: Prajitura cu marmelada de caise This cake is even tastier after a day or two.

RCI-BR.001.0042.001

Cake with Marmalade

In Romanian: Prajitura cu marmelada

RCI-BR.004.0086.001

Cake with Various Fruits

In Romanian: Prajitura cu diferite fructe

RCI-BR.004.0087.001

Cake with Walnuts and Marmalade

In Romanian: Prajitura cu nuci si marmelada

RCI-BR.008.0040.001

Calas

Calas Fried rice balls. In days gone bye, horse-drawn carts in the streets of New Orleans sold these wonderful, aromatic rice cakes. They have never been widely available in restaurants. They make a great breakfast or snack.

RCI-BR.006.0047.001

California Avocado Chiffon Pie

California Avocado Chiffon Pie from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BV.001.0054.001

California Avocado Daiquiri

California Avocado Daiquiri from the Recidemia collection

RCI-DS.004.0050.001

California Avocado Fruit Boats

California Avocado Fruit Boats from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.006.0048.001

California Avocado Lime Pie with Meringue

California Avocado Lime Pie with Meringue from the Recidemia collection

RCI-BR.006.0049.001

California Avocado Margarita Chiffon Pie

California Avocado Margarita Chiffon Pie from the Recidemia collection

RCI-VG.001.0096.001

California Avocado Shrimp and Citrus Salad

California Avocado Shrimp and Citrus Salad from the Recidemia collection

RCI-DS.001.0102.001

California Avocado Soufflé

A cold sweet souffle with natural unfussed elegance. A lovely dessert for a formal menu and the making of a simple one.

RCI-BR.005.0104.001

California Pistachio Christmas Ribbon Bars

Serving Tip: For a special dessert serve warm 3-inch square bars topped with whipped cream and additional chopped pistachios. A 7½ x 11½ x 1¾ inch pan can be substituted.

RCI-VG.001.0102.001

Cambodian Cucumber Salad

Cambodian Cucumber Salad from the Recidemia collection

RCI-SP.003.0133.001

Cambodian Hot and Sour Soup

Yield: 3 servings

RCI-VG.001.0103.001

Cambodian Lobster and Orange Salad

A generous Cambodian restaurateur shared this recipe with me. Lobster is a luxury ideal for special occasions.

RCI-MT.001.0066.001

Cambodian Marinated Beef with Lime Sauce

* Serves 4

RCI-SN.002.0070.001

Cambodian-style Spring Rolls

* Makes about 10