UW Extension Releases New High

University of Wyoming Extension recently released its new “High-Altitude Baking” cookbook, a collection of original elevation-adjusted and user-tested recipes ranging from cakes and cookies to scones, muffins, breads and pizza.

Available in print and online, the publication offers more than 100 tasty altitude-adjusted recipes, all tested at both 3,500 feet and 7,200 feet (and other elevations in between).

The cookbook was co-written by Vicki Hayman, a UW Extension food safety and nutrition educator, and Tanya Engel, UW Extension graphic designer and digital marketing specialist.

According to Hayman and Engel, the cookbook is accessible to bakers of all skill levels.

The first high-altitude cookbook published by UW Extension debuted in the ’60s. Rather than revising the most recent iteration of the original, Hayman and Engel chose to write the new book the way they make their baked goods -- from scratch.

“The goal was that we weren’t going to just go out and Google ‘high-altitude recipes,’” Engel says. “These would be adjusted and tested to what we thought were the best versions.”

In addition to researching, testing and writing recipes, she also was responsible for the cookbook’s design and photos.

Engel says she has always enjoyed baking but, when she first moved to Laramie, it initially became a source of great frustration. Even tried-and-true chocolate chip cookie recipes failed her. As she discovered, baking at high altitude often requires adjustments in time, temperature or ingredients.

“A recipe might sound wonderful and have rave reviews, but then be a flop at higher elevation,” Hayman says.

As elevation increases, additional adjustments may be necessary, she says. Some recipes that worked beautifully at 3,500 feet were a disaster at 7,200.

With the help of more than 40 volunteers, recipes were tested -- and tasted -- in kitchens across Wyoming.

“A big thank you to all volunteer testers,” Hayman says. “We couldn’t have done it without them!”

To purchase a print copy of “High-Altitude Baking,” visit www.bit.ly/uwe-books. The cost is $26.50, plus $5.25 and sales tax in Wyoming.

Free downloadable copies are available at www.bit.ly/high-altitude-baking.

About University of Wyoming Extension

Since 1914, UW Extension has provided lifelong learning opportunities to Wyoming citizens across the state. With roots in agricultural education, UW Extension supports rural communities facing contemporary challenges and changes. UW Extension brings the university’s resources to each of the state’s 23 counties and the Wind River Indian Reservation. To learn more about UW Extension, call (307) 766-5124 or visit www.uwyo.edu/uwe.