The 'How to Cook' Blog

Most of the time, sugar is, well, just sugar…Right?

True…However, there are times when flavoring sugar for desserts, drinks, fruits, etc. can be simply amazing and truly perfect! A little something different…that “je ne sais quoi”!

Typically speaking, you don’t use a lot when you’re talking about finishing or flavored sugars. They are simply to enhance flavor and give a marvelous twist. So, it’s really unnecessary to make huge batches of these sugars unless you have a specific, huge project you’re about to embark on creating.

You may use different types of sugars, such as super fine, Turbinado, Demerara and simple, plain granulated. You may want to even pulse the plain granulated in a food processor a few times to create something more super fine in texture. I haven’t used powdered or icing sugar, but I`m sure you could, especially if you`re only using ingredients that are more dry in nature.

They are extremely simple to make and you’ll really love them. It gives you a bit more variety in your kitchen, and is an extremely inexpensive way to be gourmet.

Not only that, they are beautiful to create for presents. Simply package them in a beautiful way, and “Voila”!

Today, I am going to show you how to create 3 different flavored sugar recipes: Lemon Zest, Rose Water & Matcha Green Tea.  Each of these ingredients have a different moisture level, so I can give you a good idea of how to use different ingredients for flavored finishing sugars.

* As promised, I am including my Rosewater Tapioca Pudding Recipe. If you`ve never tried using Rosewater, I suggest you do. It is an acquired taste, but it`s marvelous when you love it and you first discover it on your palate.

Type: Sweets Recipe
Use: Topping desserts, drinks, fruit, etc.
Prep Time: 5 mins

The ingredients & instructions are listed below the video for measurements & directions. Please enjoy the video below.

Ingredients:

• sugar – as much as you desire to make. I typically make 1 cup at a time.
• spices & flavors – depends on what you’re looking to make. See below for ideas.

* Ideas:

• lemon, orange, lime, rose, rose water, vanilla bean, lavender, mint, chocolate, coffee, espresso, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, fennel, anise, matcha green tea, cardamom
• flowers/petals/leaves: If you’re using flowers, be sure they haven’t been treated with insecticide – organic is definitely the way to go here.
• food grade essential oils: Use approximately 2-3 drops per cup of sugar.

* Really, the list is somewhat endless!

Instructions:

1. Using small, clean glass jars or an airtight, resealable container or bag, mix about 1 cup of sugar of your choice with flavoring of your choice.
2. Shake vigorously.
3. Serve on desserts, drinks, fruit, etc. Delicious!

* Tips:

1. If using dry flavoring, then shake vigorously and store in an airtight container.
2. If using semi-moist ingredients like petals, leaves, zest, etc, you may want to leave lid off of container to dry sugar out, if it looks a bit clumpy or moist. Return lid, shake vigorously, and repeat with lid off until dry.
3. If using very moist ingredients like essential oils or liquids like rosewater, your sugar will certainly be moist and clumpy. Repeat steps in No. 2 above or allow sugar with flavoring to dry on a cookie sheet spread out evenly until dry and then store in airtight container.

Enjoy some variety in your tea or coffee, or sprinkled on desserts.

***

I hope you enjoy this Food Fun on Cooking with Kimberly. Until next time…

Eat Deliciously!

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