Explore the fascinating world of sugar in cooking and baking through this 49-minute lecture by renowned pastry chef Joanne Chang at Harvard University. Delve into the science behind sugar's role in various desserts, from cakes and frozen treats to meringues and buttercream. Learn about sugar stages, caramelization, and innovative dessert ideas. Discover how everyday cooking techniques can illuminate principles in physics and engineering, and vice versa. Gain insights into the chemical reactions between sugar and other ingredients like butter, eggs, and gluten. Master the art of making perfect meringues, buttercream, and caramel sauce. Witness the mesmerizing process of spinning sugar and understand the browning effects of sugar in baked goods.