A Sweetener is an ingredient used to add a sweet flavor to a recipe. A highly known sweetener, sugar, comes in a variety of forms and textures. Sugar is defined as a group of carbohydrates containing one or two sugar units. These units are naturally found in fruits and honey.
In addition to flavor, sugar, (also known as Sucrose), adds color and gives a finished product a lighter texture. Sucrose that was added to a batter or dough will begin caramelizing when it is heated. The caramelization will begin darkening the outer surface while something is being baked. When you cream butter, (or any other type of solid fat), and sugar together, the sugar granular traps air into the batter. The result will cause the product to rise while improving its texture.
When sugar is cooked at a high temperature, it will begin to caramelize. When other ingredients are added, the sugar will have to cook at a higher temperature, to its boiling point. Different types and forms of sugar all behave differently when it is cooked. Sugar can be found in a stable and liquid form.
In addition to flavor, sugar, (also known as Sucrose), adds color and gives a finished product a lighter texture. Sucrose that was added to a batter or dough will begin caramelizing when it is heated. The caramelization will begin darkening the outer surface while something is being baked. When you cream butter, (or any other type of solid fat), and sugar together, the sugar granular traps air into the batter. The result will cause the product to rise while improving its texture.
When sugar is cooked at a high temperature, it will begin to caramelize. When other ingredients are added, the sugar will have to cook at a higher temperature, to its boiling point. Different types and forms of sugar all behave differently when it is cooked. Sugar can be found in a stable and liquid form.
- Granulated Sugar: A pure refined sugar derived from sugar cane or sugar beets.
- Brown Sugar: Granulated sugar with molasses that was added for flavor.
- Confectioner Sugar: Granulated sugar that was grounded into a powder. Cornstarch is added to prevent the sugar from caking. (Also known as Icing or Powdered Sugar)
- Corn Syrup: A syrup derived from cornstarch containing about 15-20% dextrose, other sugars, water, and flavoring.
- Honey: A natural inverted sugar syrup produced by bees from flower nectars.
