February 27, 2001
I remember seeing one time that there is a way to soften brown sugar in the microwave. Could you please tell me how to do that?
Thank you,
Jan
Dear Jan,
I have two books that both recommend pretty much the same procedure.
From Microwave Cooking: 101 Essential Tips by Sarah Brown:
Tip #82: Soften Brown Sugar. Brown sugar can crystallize into solid lumps that are extremely difficult to break up. Soften the hardened sugar by placing it in a microwave-safe glass dish with an apple wedge or a slice of white bread. Cover the dish and place it in the microwave, then heat on High for 30-40 seconds. Allow the sugar to stand for 30 seconds more, then remove the apple wedge or the bread slice. Stir the sugar once to break it up.
From The Classic 1000 Microwave Recipes by Sonia Allison:
To soften lumpy or hard brown sugar, put 8 oz. (1 cup) in a dish with half a slice of very fresh bread or a wedge of fresh pear or apple. Cover with kitchen paper and warm on Defrost for 1½ minutes. Alternatively, cover the surface of the sugar with a piece of wet kitchen paper before heating.
Hope this helps.