While it is difficult to completely take the guesswork out of high-altitude baking, renowned chefs around the world do offer some tips for how to be mostly certain that you've adjusted correctly for high altitudes the first time. Obviously, the first important step is to find out at what the elevation above sea level you live, and then adjust accordingly in your recipes.
One big challenge in altering unknown recipes is that you often will not know where the recipe was developed, and so you won't know the starting altitude for the recipe. We're going to assume that the original recipe was developed at sea level, or you can read the altitude measurements as "feet above baseline." Thankfully, with the help of the Internet, you will be able to look up the altitude in any location that is given with a recipe so that you will have a much clearer idea where you're starting.
Leavening
At high altitudes, the air pressure is lower than at sea level. This means that any leavening such as baking soda, baking powder, egg whites, or yeast will work much faster -- often before the dish is baked very much, resulting in flat cakes and overly dense breads. The solution is to reduce your dry leavening agent by about 3-5 percent per 1,000-foot increase. Soft peak eggs should work well without having to reduce the amount.
Liquid
Dry ingredients, such as flour, often have even less moisture content at high altitudes. The climate is also much more likely to be arid, causing liquid to evaporate out quickly. To combat this issue, add about 1/2 tablespoon of liquid per cup of flour, per 1,000 feet. Sugar may also need to be decreased.
Binders
Various binding agents, such as eggs, oatmeal, or bread crumbs, may need to be increased if the finished baked goods are still coming out flat even after adjustments have been made to the leavening. This will help keep the leavening gasses from escaping out of thin batters and doughs, allowing for much better rising throughout the baking time. Following these tips, you can make any recipe perfect for your location.
Articles filled with baking tips that cover baking substitutes, high altitude baking, types of flour and how to make a buttermilk substitute. |
Eggs are an integral part of so many different types of food dishes, especially in baked goods. How can you maintain a vegan diet and still enjoy all of these different foo...click here for more. |
What is a jelly roll pan? Only one of the most versatile tools in a cook's arsenal. A jelly roll pain is similar to a cookie sheet, but it has a raised edge, usually about an inch high. |
One of the most important baking tips to know is that different ingredients are measured in different ways, and if you know this going into the process, it will make baking measurement easier to follow. |
A short guide to the types of flour and how they're best used in baking and other recipes. |
Personal tastes and favorite recipes might vary, but there are some baking staples that appear in all kitchen pantries. If you want to become a baker, here are the things you most need. |
Tips for baking your cookie favorites with healthier ingredients. |
Essential baking tips that lead to less fuss, and better results. |
Once you know how to melt chocolate chips properly, you can make any number of delectable treats. |
If you need a buttermilk substitute, here are four easy ideas you can find in your pantry or refrigerator. |
Whether you're a novice baker or a well-seasoned pro, you'll want to stock your kitchen with essential baking supplies. |
Baking substitutions can change the taste, texture and appearance of your baked goods, so start by understanding what purpose the original recipe ingredients have in the baking process so you can make the best substitutions for whatever you're making. |
We're not kidding-you can bake a tall and fluffy soufflé without apprenticing in Lyon for a decade. |
Every baker has favorite baking items. These are the I-can't-live-without tools that occupy the easy-to-reach front spaces in the kitchen cabinet and drawers. These essential ...click here for more. |
Choosing the right specialty cake pans can help you create delectable and unique works of cake artistry. |
Cake flour substitutions are easy if you follow these tips. |
These two baking recipes can help you get the hang of the baking process before you move on to anything more complicated. |
