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How to save a fortune on brown sugar, according to GBBO’s Nancy
In the world of baking, brown sugar is a staple ingredient that adds depth and richness to a wide range of recipes. However, it can also be quite expensive compared to its counterpart, granulated sugar. But fear not, because Nancy Birtwhistle, renowned baker and winner of season 5 of The Great British Bake Off, has shared a brilliant tip on how to save a fortune on brown sugar. In this article, we will look at Nancy’s cost effective method and explore the reasons behind the price difference between brown and white sugar.
The history of brown sugar
If you’ve ever wondered where brown sugar comes from, you’re not alone. Traditionally, brown sugar was made by partially refining white sugar, leaving some molasses on the sugar crystals. However, in modern manufacturing processes, molasses is added back to the fully refined white sugar. This addition of molasses contributes to the distinctive flavor and color of brown sugar.
So why is brown sugar more expensive than white sugar? According to Alice Medrich, a celebrity baker and cookbook author, the higher cost of brown sugar is due to the price of molasses. Molasses tends to cost twice as much as white sugar, making the overall cost of producing brown sugar higher.
Nancy’s Wallet-Friendly Solution
In her quest for economical and sustainable solutions in the kitchen, Nancy Birtwhistle has come up with a clever way to make homemade brown sugar that looks and tastes just like the store-bought version, but at a fraction of the cost.
Here’s how Nancy does it:
- Pour white granulated sugar into a bowl.
- Add a swirl of black syrup, known in the U.S. as molasses, to the bowl.
- Microwave the mixture for a short time.
- Pinch together the sugar and molasses and mix to a brown sugar-like consistency.
By following Nancy’s simple technique, you can make your own homemade brown sugar without breaking the bank. This budget-friendly alternative is perfect for baking gingerbread-like Yorkshire Parkin or exploring savory recipes that call for the unique flavor of brown sugar.
Unexpected Uses for Brown Sugar
In addition to its classic role in baked goods, brown sugar can be a versatile ingredient in a variety of savory dishes. Here are some unexpected ways to incorporate brown sugar into your cooking:
- Glaze vegan bacon with a mixture of brown sugar and spices for a sweet and savory twist.
- Use brown sugar in pickling solutions to add a touch of sweetness to pickled vegetables.
- Add a sprinkling of brown sugar to meat or tofu marinades to enhance caramelization and add a rich flavor.
- Create a tantalizing barbecue sauce by combining brown sugar with tangy ingredients like vinegar, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce.
These creative uses for brown sugar can elevate your culinary creations and add exciting flavor profiles to your meals.
Bottom line
Nancy Birtwhistle’s ingenious method for making homemade brown sugar offers a practical solution for those who want to save money without sacrificing flavor. By understanding the reasons behind the price difference between brown and white sugar, you can appreciate the value of Nancy’s cost-effective tip. So the next time you reach for brown sugar in your pantry, consider trying Nancy’s homemade version and explore the endless possibilities it brings to your cooking endeavors.
Sources:
- Mash: How to save a fortune on brown sugar, according to GBBO’s Nancy
- BBC Food: Nancy Birtwhistle
- The Washington Post: What’s the difference between light and dark brown sugar, and is one better than the other?
- The Spruce Eats: All About Dark Brown Sugar
In the world of baking, brown sugar is a staple ingredient that adds depth and richness to a wide range of recipes. However, it can also be quite expensive compared to its counterpart, granulated sugar. But fear not, because Nancy Birtwhistle, renowned baker and winner of season 5 of The Great British Bake Off, has shared a brilliant tip on how to save a fortune on brown sugar. In this article, we will look at Nancy’s cost effective method and explore the reasons behind the price difference between brown sugar and white sugar.The history of brown sugar
If you’ve ever wondered where brown sugar comes from, you’re not alone. Traditionally, brown sugar was made by partially refining white sugar, leaving some molasses on the sugar crystals. However, in modern manufacturing processes, molasses is added back to the fully refined white sugar. This addition of molasses contributes to the distinctive flavor and color of brown sugar.
So why is brown sugar more expensive than white sugar? According to Alice Medrich, a celebrity baker and cookbook author, the higher cost of brown sugar is due to the price of molasses. Molasses tends to cost twice as much as white sugar, so the overall cost of producing brown sugar is higher.Nancy’s Wallet Friendly Solution
In her quest for economical and sustainable solutions in the kitchen, Nancy Birtwhistle has come up with a clever way to make homemade brown sugar that looks and tastes just like the store-bought version, but at a fraction of the cost.
Here’s how Nancy does it:- Pour white granulated sugar into a bowl.
- Add a swirl of black syrup, known in the U.S. as molasses, to the bowl.
- Microwave the mixture for a short time.
- Pinch together the sugar and molasses and mix to a brown sugar-like consistency.
By following Nancy’s simple technique, you can make your own homemade brown sugar without breaking the bank. This budget-friendly alternative is perfect for baking gingerbread-like Yorkshire Parkin or exploring savory recipes that call for the unique flavor of brown sugar.
Unexpected Uses for Brown Sugar
In addition to its classic role in baked goods, brown sugar can be a versatile ingredient in a variety of savory dishes. Here are some unexpected ways to incorporate brown sugar into your cooking:
- Glaze vegan bacon with a mixture of brown sugar and spices for a sweet and savory twist.
- Use brown sugar in pickling solutions to add a touch of sweetness to pickled vegetables.
- Add a sprinkling of brown sugar to meat or tofu marinades to enhance caramelization and add a rich flavor.
- Create a tantalizing barbecue sauce by combining brown sugar with tangy ingredients like vinegar, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce.
These creative uses for brown sugar can elevate your culinary creations and add exciting flavor profiles to your meals.
Bottom line
Nancy Birtwhistle’s ingenious method for making homemade brown sugar offers a practical solution for those who want to save money without sacrificing flavor. By understanding the reasons behind the price difference between brown and white sugar, you can appreciate the value of Nancy’s cost-effective tip. So the next time you reach for brown sugar in your pantry, try Nancy’s homemade version and explore the countless possibilities it brings to your cooking.
FAQS
What is GBBO’s Nancy’s cost-saving technique for brown sugar?
Nancy’s money-saving technique is to make homemade brown sugar by combining white granulated sugar with black treacle (molasses) and mixing until they form a brown sugar-like consistency.
Does homemade brown sugar taste the same as store-bought brown sugar?
Yes, homemade brown sugar made using Nancy’s technique is very similar in taste to store-bought brown sugar. The addition of blackstrap molasses provides the characteristic flavor and color of brown sugar.
Can I use any kind of sugar to make homemade brown sugar?
For Nancy’s cost-saving technique, it is recommended to use white granulated sugar as the base. Other types of sugar, such as brown or raw sugar, may not produce the desired results in terms of flavor and consistency.
Are there alternative methods for making homemade brown sugar?
While Nancy’s technique is a quick and easy way to make homemade brown sugar, there are alternative methods. One alternative is to combine white granulated sugar with a small amount of molasses and mix by hand until the desired consistency is achieved.
Can homemade brown sugar be used in any recipe that calls for store-bought brown sugar?
Yes, homemade brown sugar can be used as a substitute for store-bought brown sugar in most recipes. It provides the same flavor and sweetness, making it suitable for various baked goods and other dishes that require brown sugar.
Are there any other tips for saving money on baking ingredients?
In addition to saving on brown sugar, there are other cost-saving tips for baking ingredients. Some examples include buying in bulk, using generic store brands, and making your own extracts or flavorings instead of buying pre-made ones.