Chinese Sugar

You can find Chinese sugar in several forms: in amber crystals like rock sugar, in small compressed cones, or in slabs. It is more subtle in taste and less cloyingly sweet than granulated sugar. It is used in braised dishes (see Five-Spice Braised Duck), to add richness and balance to sauces, and to make a nice glaze. It keeps indefinitely in a tightly covered jar at room temperature.