Caster Sugar

Caster sugar is a fine sugar from the United Kingdom and is called so because the grains of this sugar are so small, that they can fit in the holes of a caster. In the United States of America, it is called superfine sugar though it is not as fine as the mechanically ground sugar. Its main characteristic is that it dissolves easily in cold liquids also. This sugar is known by both the names, castor sugar and caster sugar. This sugar is finely pulverized and dissolves faster than the standard granulated sugar. You can make this sugar at home also. Just grind the sugar in a food processor, the outcome will be your castor sugar. It is used in meringues, mousses, and soufflés, and in beverages that are not cooked.

Preparation

Castor sugar is many a time referred to as superfine sugar or bar sugar. Here are some of the guidelines to prepare castor sugar.

• Take the sugar in a blender.
• Set the higher pulse of the blender or the food processor.
• Grind the sugar till it reaches a finely granulated state.

It adds volume to baked mixture, and makes your cake fluffy! Usually, castor sugar is sprinkled over cereals and fruits. Some of its substitutes are brown sugar and golden caster sugar.

Caster Sugar Vs Icing Sugar
Icing sugar is very finely ground as compared to the castor sugar. Castor sugar is added in the cake and icing sugar is used to decorate the cake. Icing sugar dilutes more quickly in cold water. Many a time, caster sugar is used to make icing sugar.

Caster Sugar Vs White Sugar
The basic difference between the two is that the caster sugar is more fine than the white sugar. White sugar is used in daily culinary activities.

Golden Caster Sugar

Light golden castor sugar is fine and free-flowing raw cane sugar. There is a slight presence of molasses in the sugar, that renders a delicious flavor and aroma. This golden caster sugar is ideal for baking cakes. To store this caster sugar, keep it in cool and dry place to prevent lumping.

Caster Sugar Recipes

Ingredients

• 250 g caster sugar
• 4 egg white
• 1 pack of vanilla sugar

Procedure
Combine egg whites, vanilla and caster sugar and place it in a bowl which is kept over a double boiler. Obtain a fluffy foam by whisking the eggs. Take the bowl off the pan and keep on whisking, until they totally cool down. Pre-heat the oven at 176 Fahrenheit. Now place this mixture in a piping bag and lay the meringues in the desired shape. Place the meringues in the oven and keep the door open. When you hear the meringues crackle, they are cooked. Finally, you do not need to pick these meringues from the baking tray, they will come off the tray by themselves.

This was all about caster sugar and its uses. You can try using this sugar in cakes, meringues and in many beverages. Enjoy your 'sugary' sweets!