Recipes with sugar

Classic chocolate sheet cake with cinnamon and vinegar in the batter, topped with warm cocoa icing poured over the hot cake so it soaks into every prick-marked inch.

Old-school Southern pralines made with Mr. Pibb (or Dr. Pepper) cola and toasted pecans. The cola adds caramel-cherry depth to the candy syrup with marshmallows for extra creaminess.

Easy blender eggnog spiked with brandy and lightened with folded whipped cream. A make-ahead holiday drink you can even freeze, finished with a dusting of nutmeg or cinnamon.

Homemade whole wheat baking mix with wheat germ, dry milk, and shortening. A healthier DIY Bisquick alternative that keeps for months and makes pancakes, biscuits, and muffins in minutes.

I would strongly suggest using libby’s pumpkin puree. Semi sweet chips make for a more savory cookie and an excellent addition to a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Upside-down apple cake with caramelized Granny Smith slices, applesauce-enriched batter, and a cinnamon cream cheese topping. Served warm for the ultimate fall dessert.

Buttery spiced cookies with chocolate chips and walnuts, rolled in powdered sugar for a crinkled, snow-dusted finish. Warm cinnamon and ginger in every chewy bite.

Crispy General Tao's chicken coats golden fried chicken in a sticky sweet-and-savory sauce of brown sugar, soy, garlic, and ginger with a kick of chili. Better than takeout, easily made gluten-free with tamari, and ready in about 25 minutes.

Oranged cranberry sauce made with fresh cranberries, orange juice, orange zest, brown sugar, and cinnamon sticks. Boiled until thick and jammy, this keeps indefinitely in the fridge.

Monaco-style sweet-sour braised pearl onions with tomato, vinegar, sugar and herbs. Classic French Riviera vegetable side dish and cold antipasto topping.

Thick, chewy white chocolate macadamia nut cookies baked low and slow for soft centers with golden, crispy edges. Bakery-sized cookies loaded with buttery macadamias and creamy white chocolate chunks.

Barely-baked chocolate truffle squares with a full pound of melted semi-sweet chocolate, whipped egg whites, and a tangy sour cream swirl on top. Chilled, sliced, and frozen for make-ahead indulgence.

Molasses muffins spiced with cinnamon, ginger, cloves, allspice, and nutmeg, studded with raisins. Make-ahead batter keeps in the fridge for fresh muffins anytime.

Onion cheddar bread made with whole wheat flour, onion soup mix, and sharp cheddar rolled inside. A jelly-roll style yeast bread with cheese baked on top.

Glazed carrots in a sweet orange juice and raisin sauce thickened with cornstarch. A bright, naturally sweet side dish with no butter or cream needed.

Easy chocolate coconut pie with semisweet chocolate, evaporated milk, and flaked coconut baked in a single shell. A 30-minute pantry pie that tastes like a baked Mounds bar in slice form.