Kitchen Hints!

Brown sugar loses moisture rather quickly and develops lumps easily. To soften hardened sugar, place the sugar in a tightly covered dish with a slice of fresh white bread or half an apple, cover the dish tightly, and heat for 15 - 20 seconds in the microwave. Let it stand five minutes before using. The moisture from the bread or apple will produce enough steam to soften the sugar without melting it. Store brown sugar in the freezer to keep it from getting lumpy in the first place.