
A historical dessert from The White House cook book; a comprehensive cyclopedia of information for the home .. (1913). They are used in ornamenting cake.
Preserved exactly as written in the original source
Pound white lump sugar in a mortar
Shake it through sieves of different degrees of coarseness, thus accumulating grains of different sizes
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Modern guidance to help you succeed with this vintage recipe
Mechanically crushing sugar crystals creates irregular fragments with jagged edges that catch and reflect light, giving decorated cakes visual texture and sparkle. The sieving process separates particles by size through gravity and mechanical screening, allowing for uniform grain sizes that provide consistent coverage and professional-looking finishes. Unlike modern sanding sugar, these hand-crushed grains have more varied facets that create a more natural, crystalline appearance.
Sugar grains can be made weeks or even months in advance. Once crushed and sieved, store each grain size in separate airtight containers in a cool, dry place away from moisture and strong odors.
Store in airtight containers or zip-top bags with as much air removed as possible. Keep in a cool, dry pantry away from heat and humidity for up to 6 months. If grains clump together, spread on a baking sheet and dry in a 200°F oven for 10 minutes, then re-sieve before using.
AI-generated tips from Chef Cecil's culinary database
Sugar grains can be made weeks or even months in advance. Once crushed and sieved, store each grain size in separate airtight containers in a cool, dry place away from moisture and strong odors.
Store in airtight containers or zip-top bags with as much air removed as possible. Keep in a cool, dry pantry away from heat and humidity for up to 6 months. If grains clump together, spread on a baking sheet and dry in a 200°F oven for 10 minutes, then re-sieve before using.