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  • Writer's pictureHigh Altitude Baker

Cooking With Alcohol in a HIGH ALTITUDE Kitchen, What you need to Remember...

Updated: Dec 14, 2023


When cooking with alcohol at high altitudes, there are some important considerations to keep in mind. At higher altitudes, the air pressure is lower and the boiling point of water is lower as well. This can cause some changes in the behavior of alcohol during cooking, affecting both the flavor and the overall outcome of your dish.


One of the main concerns when cooking with alcohol at high altitudes is the potential for a stronger flavor. At lower air pressures, alcohol evaporates more quickly and easily than at sea level, and this can result in a more intense flavor in your dish. Depending on the type of alcohol used, this can sometimes be desirable, but in many cases, you may want to adjust the amount of alcohol used in the recipe to compensate.


Another important factor to consider when cooking with alcohol at high altitudes is the potential for changes in the consistency of your dish. Alcohol can affect the texture and moisture content of your food, and this can be particularly challenging at high altitudes where water evaporates more quickly. To avoid problems with consistency, you may need to adjust your recipe accordingly by adding more flour, using a thickening agent, or increasing the baking time.


In addition to these factors, it's important to keep in mind that alcohol can also affect the boiling point of water in your recipe. At high altitudes, water boils at a lower temperature than at sea level, which means that it may take longer for your dish to reach the desired temperature. If you're cooking with alcohol, this can have an impact on the flavor and texture of your dish, so it's important to adjust the cooking time and temperature as needed.


Finally, it's worth noting that the specific adjustments needed when cooking with alcohol at high altitudes will depend on a number of factors, including the type of alcohol used, the specific recipe, and the altitude itself. Some types of alcohol, such as rum or whiskey, may help to keep your dish moist and flavorful at high altitudes, while others may require more careful adjustments. Ultimately, it's important to experiment with your recipe and adjust as needed to achieve the desired outcome.


Cooking with alcohol at high altitudes can present some unique challenges, but with some careful adjustments and attention to detail, it's possible to create delicious and successful dishes. By considering the potential for changes in flavor, consistency, and boiling point, and making the necessary adjustments, you can adapt your favorite recipes for high altitude cooking and enjoy delicious results.



One recipe that uses Hornitos alcohol is the Hornitos Spiced Bananas Foster recipe. Here's how to make it:


Ingredients:

  • 4 ripe BANANAS, sliced

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted BUTTER

  • 1/4 cup brown SUGAR

  • 1/4 cup Hornitos Tequila

  • 1/4 cup heavy CREAM

  • 1/4 teaspoon ground CINNAMON

  • Vanilla ice cream, for serving

Instructions:

  1. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.

  2. Add the sliced bananas and cook for about 1 minute per side, or until lightly browned.

  3. Add the brown sugar and stir until it has melted and combined with the butter.

  4. Pour in the Hornitos Tequila and cook for about 1-2 minutes, or until the alcohol has mostly evaporated.

  5. Add the heavy cream and ground cinnamon, and stir until the sauce is smooth and bubbly.

  6. Remove the skillet from the heat.

  7. To serve, spoon the bananas foster over a scoop of vanilla ice cream in individual bowls.

Note: Be sure to use caution when cooking with alcohol, as it can ignite and cause flames. You may want to remove the skillet from the heat source before adding the Hornitos Tequila to prevent any accidents.


Visit my website for additional tips and tricks at altitude...In the meantime....




  • Ensuring your oven's temperature is accurate is essential for successful baking and cooking.

  • An oven thermometer is key to achieving this accuracy.

  • For baked goods and meats, checking internal temperature with a food thermometer is crucial.

  • Investing in a reliable thermometer is a wise choice for precision in cooking and baking.

  • Without accurate temperature measurements, the quality of your cakes or dishes could suffer.

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