Can you use ordinary sugar instead of Castor Sugar?

You can often use ordinary granulated sugar instead of caster sugar, but there are a few things to keep in mind:

What is Caster Sugar?

Caster sugar is a fine-grained sugar that dissolves quickly and easily. It's often used in baking and drinks because it doesn't leave gritty texture.

When you can use granulated sugar instead:

* Baking: You can usually substitute granulated sugar for caster sugar in most recipes. The texture might be slightly different, but it won't drastically change the outcome.

* Drinks: Granulated sugar will dissolve in drinks, but it may take a bit longer than caster sugar.

When you might need to adjust:

* Recipes that require a smooth, glossy texture: Caster sugar dissolves more easily, making it ideal for glazes, frostings, and sauces where a smooth finish is desired. Granulated sugar might leave a slightly grainy texture in these applications.

* Recipes that need quick dissolving: Some recipes, like meringues, require sugar to dissolve quickly. Using granulated sugar might slow down the process.

How to make your own caster sugar:

If you want to use granulated sugar but need the texture of caster sugar, you can grind it in a food processor until it has a fine consistency.

General rule of thumb:

If a recipe calls for caster sugar, you can likely use granulated sugar as a substitute. But if you're looking for a perfectly smooth, glossy texture, then caster sugar is the better choice.