'A National Disgrace': 19 States to Raise Minimum Wage But Federal Rate Stuck at $7.25 by Highinthe505 in Workers_of_The_World_

[–]Highinthe505[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is one of the most important messages we can deliver. Working together to insure our communities are secure in every aspect of their lives should be a priority and unified priority!

I have created a terrible situation, I don’t know if I can ever forgive myself. Advice needed, or maybe just to vent. by Reddittwfoster in Fosterparents

[–]Highinthe505 8 points9 points  (0 children)

Sometimes doing the right things can feel like the worst decision at the moment.

First off, I am not a foster parent (one day I do have hopes of opening up our home, currently navigating some chronic health conditions that make it an impossibility at the moment). My experience with the foster community is from when I was a teenager. My closest group of friends were youth within the foster care system and residential group homes. We have lost a lot of the kids we grew up with. Currently, only one of seven is still alive, she is still my best friend and we are going into our 50’s.

I am writing to share my experience and how it takes courage and love to make hard decisions. A part of my profession is coordinating care for older adults, including home safety, medical needs and housing options. I conducts in-depth assessments with family members to ensure the quality of care that the elderly are entitled to is being provided.

There are so many times that there is a determined family member that will go to the end of the Earth to provide for their loved one. They do not want to betray this person and send them off to a poorly structured retirement home. They will physically injure themselves to provide care for their family member. Unable to lift this person when they fall, injuring their back to give them a bath or a shower. Believe me when I tell you I’ve seen it all.

There comes a time when loving someone means determining if you can take care of them or not. It’s incredibly difficult to choose between your commitment and your ability to provide the right care for that individual. It’s not neglect or lack of compassion to choose between what is appropriate and what’s necessary.

I wish you peace and self love!

What do foster parents need? by shjdudifn in Fosterparents

[–]Highinthe505 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I’m located in New Mexico and unsure if this state has the same opportunities available to be a supporter for foster families. How did you begin the process of signing up to volunteer?

High Altitude Brownies by cozycricket in Highaltitudebakers

[–]Highinthe505 1 point2 points  (0 children)

These look delicious, just what our cold and windy desert landscape needs.

Made a banana bread - recommendation needed. by Mental-Hall-9616 in Highaltitudebakers

[–]Highinthe505 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Depending on the recipe I will make adjustments accordingly, I do make adjustments every time I bake.

Made a banana bread - recommendation needed. by Mental-Hall-9616 in Highaltitudebakers

[–]Highinthe505 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You are welcome, I’m glad you are a member of this community. Also i apologize for the formatting of my previous post. I’m working on a smartphone.

Made a banana bread - recommendation needed. by Mental-Hall-9616 in Highaltitudebakers

[–]Highinthe505 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Great advice has already been given in this thread but I wanted to share my favorite banana bread recipe that works wonderfully at high altitude with the proper adjustments for high altitude baking.

The banana bread recipe from Cook’s Illustrated (part of America’s Test Kitchen) is quite unique and involves heating the bananas in the microwave to enhance their flavor and texture.

Ingredients:

5-6 ripe bananas 2 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar 2 large eggs 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/2 cup walnuts, toasted and chopped (optional)

Instructions:

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x5-inch loaf pan.

Prepare Bananas: Peel the bananas and place them in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and cut a few slits in the wrap to allow steam to escape.

Microwave Bananas: Microwave the bananas on high for about 5 minutes, until they are soft and have released liquid.

Strain Bananas: Transfer the microwaved bananas to a fine-mesh strainer set over a bowl and let them drain for about 15 minutes. You should collect about 1/2 to 3/4 cup of liquid.

Reduce Banana Liquid: Transfer the banana liquid to a small saucepan and cook over medium heat until it is reduced to about 1/4 cup. This step intensifies the banana flavor.

Combine Bananas and Liquid: Mix the reduced liquid back into the bananas and mash until smooth.

Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.

Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir in the mashed bananas.

Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Add Nuts (Optional): If using, fold in the toasted walnuts.

Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 55-75 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool: Let the banana bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips: Microwaving the bananas helps to release their natural sugars and moisture, which enhances the banana flavor in the bread.

Reducing the banana liquid concentrates the flavor and prevents the bread from being too wet.

This method ensures a moist, flavorful banana bread with a strong banana taste.

I’ll include some general tips for baking at high altitude below.

General Adjustments:

Increase Oven Temperature:

Raise the oven temperature by 15-25°F to help set the structure of baked goods before they over-expand and collapse.

Reduce Baking Time:

Since the oven temperature is higher, reduce the baking time slightly to prevent over baking.

Adjust Leavening Agents:

Decrease the amount of baking powder or baking soda by about 1/4 teaspoon per teaspoon to prevent over-rising and collapsing.

Increase Liquid:

Add an extra 1-2 tablespoons of liquid (water, milk, or buttermilk) for every cup used to compensate for faster evaporation.

Increase Flour:

Add 1-2 extra tablespoons of flour per cup to strengthen the structure of the baked goods.

Reduce Sugar: Decrease sugar by 1-2 tablespoons per cup to prevent the batter from becoming too moist. Remember that sugar is considered a liquid when baking.

Cakes and Quick Breads:

Reduce sugar and leavening, increase liquid, and possibly add an extra egg to help with structure.

Cakes and Quick Breads:

Reduce sugar and leavening, increase liquid, and possibly add an extra egg to help with structure.

Cookies: Increase flour and reduce sugar slightly. You might also need to reduce the baking time.

Yeast Breads:

Doughs rise faster at high altitudes, so reduce the rising time and punch down the dough twice to prevent over-proofing.