1. Classic Sugar Cookies
Ingredients:
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
- Gradually blend in the dry ingredients.
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Flatten the balls slightly and bake for 8-10 minutes until golden around the edges.
- Let them cool on the sheet before transferring to a wire rack.
2. Homemade Lemonade
Ingredients:
- 1 cup fresh lemon juice (about 4-6 lemons)
- ¾ cup sugar
- 4 cups cold water
- Ice cubes
- Lemon slices and mint for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup water and sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar is completely dissolved to make a simple syrup.
- In a large pitcher, combine the lemon juice and the simple syrup.
- Add 3 cups cold water to the pitcher and stir well. Adjust sweetness by adding more sugar if necessary.
- Fill glasses with ice, pour the lemonade over the ice, and garnish with lemon slices and mint if desired.
3. Caramel Sauce
Ingredients:
- 1 cup sugar
- ¼ cup water
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
- In a medium saucepan, combine sugar and water over medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves, then stop stirring and let the mixture come to a boil.
- Continue to cook without stirring until the sugar turns a deep amber color.
- Remove from heat and immediately whisk in the butter until fully melted.
- Slowly add the heavy cream, whisking constantly (it will bubble up).
- Stir in vanilla extract and salt.
- Let the caramel cool slightly before using. Store any leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge.
These recipes showcase sugar as a key ingredient in creating delightful treats!
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