After 19 years enduring hot and humid summers in Raleigh, NC,  we decided it was time for some heat relief.  So back we came 1400 miles to retire to Colorado Springs with its spectacular Pikes Peak setting.

We had lived in Black Forest before at 7400 feet so we knew there were some adjustments we would have to make in our cooking routine. But the first little issue we encountered was a surprise. We knew water didn’t boil at 212 degrees — there is a falloff in boiling temps versus altitude, however, the thermostat on our electric kettle didn’t know it and as a result, the water boiled furiously until we turned it off. Water at our altitude boils at about 200F. Fortunately our teakettle has a 200F setting, so we have a workaround.  The Spruce Eats blog has a good chart on temperature vs. altitude here —  here.

While we are discussing morning beverages, we also knew that food/drink cool off faster up here due primarily because they are cooler to start with.  Also steam evaporates faster from food at higher altitudes.

We tend to spend time with our coffee checking email, watching cat videos, etc. and didn’t want to have to get up and reheat our coffee in the microwave every 10 minutes.  So — get a microwave for the office or get mug warmers. We opted to try the electric Mr. Coffee mug warmers. We looked at some USB models that plugged right into the computer, but reviews suggested they used too much battery power for laptops.  The Mr. Coffee’s work pretty well, but I still head for the microwave after around 20-30 minutes because I like my hot beverages really hot.

We know that baking will be experimental and stovetop cooking times will vary.  Steaming broccoli is 18 minutes now as opposed to 14. Oven temperatures are not dependent upon water so they are not affected with the exception of some baked goods that require adjustments.

 

We have King Arthur’s high altitude baking adjustment info taped inside a cabinet door and we are ready to cook!