Chinese Rock Sugar

Chinese rock sugar has a rich and more subtle flavour than refined granulated sugar. It also gives a good lustre or glaze to braised dishes and sauces.

You can buy it in Chinese or Asian groceries, where it is usually sold in packets. You may need to break the slabs or lumps into smaller pieces with a wooden mallet or rolling pin. If you cannot obtain it, you can substitute white sugar or coffee sugar crystals (the amber, chunky kind). Alternatively, mix light brown sugar with an equal part of molasses.