The story behind the little bear

A familiar kitchen frustration. A clever use for clay. A little bear that belongs with the everyday ingredients.

It started with a maker's understanding of clay.

Barbara, based in Calgary, Alberta, identifies herself as the creator of the Original Brown Sugar Softener. Her work with clay led to a food-safe kitchen accessory designed to help keep brown sugar soft.

The idea relies on specially fired clay that takes up water during soaking and releases moisture gradually afterward. The bear shape makes the useful little object easy to recognize when you open the jar.

A simple purpose worth keeping.

We like a kitchen tool that makes its job clear. Prepare the bear with a 20-minute soak, pat it dry on the outside, and place it with your brown sugar in a tightly closed container. When the sugar begins to firm up, repeat the routine.

One bear can settle into an everyday jar. A pair can look after separate light and dark sugar containers, or be shared with someone who enjoys baking. The useful part stays the same: reusable clay, straightforward care, and sugar that is easier to portion for the next recipe.

Small enough to become a habit.

Keep the bear visible while you measure, return it when you close the container, and rinse it with plain water when needed. It is an uncomplicated addition to the way you already cook.

Read Barbara's account of the original softener, or find the bear for your kitchen.