Hard brown sugar ????

I have a two year old unopened package of brown sugar.... like a brick. There has to be a secret to 'rejuvenate' it. I just did my last cup of my four year old brown sugar and used my spice blender. That was a load on the little machine. And I ended up with a white powder. What's the best way to store brown sugar? I have a Tilia food vac sealer with alot of accessories.

Reply to
theChas.
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The brown sugar gets hard because it dries out. I've had no hard brown sugar since using one of those little "sugar bears" made of ceramic. You dampen the "bear" and place it in the container with the brown sugar and seal it.

Store your sugar in a sealed container.

To restore the hardened sugar, you need to get it moist again. Place a slice of apple in the plastic bag with the brown sugar. Seal and leave for a couple of days until the brown sugar softens.

or dampen a paper towel and place it in a ziplock bag with the sugar in its container, (bag or box) and place the whole thing in the refrigerator, wait a few days, this should do the trick.

Some say to use the microwave, but I'd worry about over heating the sugar.

Place an open bag of sugar in the microwave with a cup of water next to it. Microwave on high (100%) for 2-3 minutes. If your microwave doesn't have a carousel, turn the bag after each minute.

Reply to
Rina

I had the same problem just storing the brown sugar in the bag in the pantry. I bought a set of plastic storage containers from JC Penny's online store. They come in a set for flour, sugar, and brown sugar. My BS is not 2 years old yet. After 12 months everything seems to be holding up well. I keep the ingredients in the bag when in the container.

-G

Reply to
Mr. G D Geen

From whatscookingamerica.net:

"Tips for softening brown sugar:

Brown sugar becomes hard when moisture in the sugar evaporates. Therefore, the various methods used for softening brown sugar are intended to return moisture to the sugar.

  • To soften hard brown sugar, place an open bag of sugar in the microwave with a cup of water next to it. Microwave on high (100%) for 2-3 minutes. If your microwave doesn't have a carousel, turn the bag after each minute. NOTE: This works great, but isn't a permanent fix. Any unused sugar will dry up again. However, the process can be repeated each time you need sugar. * Place about 1/2 lb. of hardened brown sugar in microwave safe bowl. Cover sugar with two pieces of wet paper towels. Tightly cover bowl with plastic wrap. Heat in microwave at HIGH for 1 1/2 - 2 minutes.* Divide sugar with fork (sugar will be hot); stir. Use immediately. *Microwave ovens vary in power; cooking time may need adjustment. * Place a piece of foil or plastic wrap directly on the sugar. Set a piece of crumpled, dampened paper towel on the foil. Cover container tightly. The sugar will absorb the moisture from the paper towel and become soft. Remove the paper towel when it has dried out. * Place about 1/2 lb. of hardened brown sugar in a bowl. Cover sugar with two pieces of wet paper towels. Cover bowl tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap. Let stand overnight at room temperature. Divide sugar with fork; stir. Use immediately."

-- Larry

Reply to
pltrgyst

BTW, I find that hardened brown sugar, with its lower moisture content, works better for some dishes in which that's an advantage, such as Bananas Foster.

-- Larry

Reply to
pltrgyst

Put the brown sugar in an airtight container with a several slices of apples. Give it 24 to 36 hours and it will be just like opening a fresh box. I heard Sarah Multon recommend that method on the Food Channel. It's amazing how well it works.

Reply to
Frank103

Yes I have used apples. However, I've found that bread works best. I order

40kg bags at a time; I put the sugar in 5kg plastic buckets with a slice of bread on top. Works like a charm. The odd time there maybe a hard patch around, but on the whole, I'd try this a storing method. wendy

----- Original Message ----- From: "Frank103" Newsgroups: rec.food.baking To: Sent: Friday, October 27, 2006 6:43 PM Subject: Re: Hard brown sugar ????

Reply to
Wendy

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