Which common ingredient can be used to enhance the sweetness of dishes?

Sugar is a common ingredient widely used in cooking and baking to enhance the sweetness of various dishes. It is versatile and can be used in a variety of forms, including granulated, powdered, and brown sugar, each providing distinct flavors and textures. When added to recipes, sugar not only sweetens but also balances flavors, helping to mask bitterness or acidity in dishes. Additionally, sugar plays a critical role in the browning process during cooking or baking, contributing to the color and flavor of the final product.

Honey, while also a sweetener, is different from sugar as it contains additional flavors and has a different composition. Salt is primarily used for seasoning and enhancing overall flavor, rather than sweetness. Vanilla, on the other hand, adds a warm, aromatic flavor that can complement sweetness but does not itself provide sweetness. Thus, among these options, sugar is the most straightforward and widely accepted ingredient used specifically to enhance sweetness in cooking and baking.