Making Your Own Organic Brown Sugar
Brown sugar is a staple ingredient in many kitchens, adding a rich, caramel flavor to baked goods, desserts, and beverages. However, commercially produced brown sugar often contains additives and refined sugars that may not be the healthiest choices. Fortunately, making your own organic brown sugar at home is surprisingly easy and allows you to control the ingredients and create a healthier, more flavorful alternative.
Ingredients
- 1 cup organic cane sugar
- 1 tablespoon molasses
- 1 tablespoon water
Instructions
- Combine the organic cane sugar, molasses, and water in a saucepan. Stir well to ensure the ingredients are thoroughly mixed.
- Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar dissolves and the mixture becomes syrupy. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the mixture cool slightly. You can speed up the cooling process by transferring the mixture to a heat-resistant bowl.
- Spread the cooled mixture onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. The mixture should be spread thinly, about 1/4 inch thick.
- Place the baking sheet in a preheated oven at 200°F (93°C). Bake for 30-45 minutes, or until the mixture is dry and crumbly. Stir the mixture every 15 minutes to ensure even drying.
- Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the mixture cool completely. Once cooled, break the mixture into smaller pieces or grind it into a powder using a food processor or blender.
- Store the homemade organic brown sugar in an airtight container at room temperature.
Tips
- To adjust the sweetness and color of your brown sugar, you can experiment with the amount of molasses used. For a lighter brown sugar, use less molasses. For a darker brown sugar, use more molasses.
- If you don't have molasses on hand, you can substitute with a small amount of maple syrup or honey.
- To prevent the sugar from sticking to the baking sheet, lightly grease the parchment paper before spreading the mixture.
- Homemade organic brown sugar can be stored for several months in an airtight container.
Conclusion
Making your own organic brown sugar is a simple and rewarding process that allows you to control the ingredients and create a healthier, more flavorful alternative to store-bought brown sugar. By following these instructions, you can enjoy the delicious taste of homemade brown sugar in your favorite recipes.