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CONFECTIONERS' SUGAR
Confectioners' sugar--also known as powdered sugar or icing sugar--is granulated sugar that's been pulverized and sifted with a bit of cornstarch. The cornstarch keeps the fine sugar from clumping and helps to stiffen some recipes made with confectioners' sugar, such as meringues and icings.
While granulated sugar may leave foods grainy, especially if those foods are not cooked at high enough temperatures, confectioners sugar dissolves quickly in either hot or cold mixtures. Confectioners' sugar is also great for dusting on a dessert to give it a nice presentation.
Points to Remember
Ÿ There's always a number on the package of confectioners' sugar, such as 4X or 10X. This number refers to its grain size. The higher the number, the finer the grain. Ultra-fine, or 10X, is what you are likely to find in your grocery store.
Ÿ If confectioners' sugar gets hard, you can no longer use it as confectioners' sugar. However, you can use it in place of granulated sugar.
Storing
Confectioners' sugar will keep about 18 months in an unopened or airtight container.
Substitutions
Granulated sugar does not always substitute well for confectioners' sugar, especially in uncooked recipes such as whipped cream. But if a substitution is necessary, try 1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon granulated sugar for 1 cup of confectioners' sugar.
You can substitute 1-3/4 cups of confectioners' sugar for 1 cup granulated sugar.
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