Flavored Sugars for Quick Desserts

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Process the sugar and zest in a coffee or spice grinder (or pound the zest and half the sugar in a mortar until finely ground; stir in the remaining sugar). Or stir the ingredients together in a bowl until well combined.

Serving idea: Hull and slice a pint of strawberries and stir in the lemon sugar. Serve layered with strawberry and mango sorbets in a tall glass.

* * * * * * Fennel Sugar 2 Tbs. granulated sugar Scant 1/4 tsp. fennel seeds Process the sugar and fennel seeds in a coffee or spice grinder (or pound the seeds and half the sugar in a mortar until finely ground; stir in the remaining sugar).

Serving idea: Hull and slice a pint of strawberries and stir in the fennel sugar. Serve with dollops of sweetened Greek yogurt or fresh ricotta cheese.

* * * * * * Mint Sugar 2 Tbs. granulated sugar 4 to 6 fresh mint leaves Process the sugar and mint leaves in a coffee or spice grinder (or pound the mint and half the sugar in a mortar until finely ground; stir in the remaining sugar).

Serving idea: Hull and slice a pint of strawberries, toss with cubes of mango, and stir in the mint sugar.

* * * * * * Ginger Sugar 2 Tbs. granulated sugar 1 quarter-size piece crystallized ginger Process the sugar and ginger in a coffee or spice grinder (or pound the ginger and half the sugar in a mortar until finely ground; stir in the remaining sugar.

Serving idea: Hull and slice a pint of strawberries and stir in the ginger sugar. Spoon over brownies or meringues.

* * * * * * Vanilla Sugar 2 Tbs. granulated sugar 1-inch piece of a vanilla bean, finely chopped Process the sugar and chopped vanilla in a coffee or spice grinder (or pound the vanilla and half the sugar in a mortar until finely ground; stir in the remaining sugar).

Serving idea: Hull and slice a pint of strawberries and stir in the lemon sugar. Serve layered with strawberry and mango sorbets in a tall glass.