How to proof yeast....

Proofing yeast is a very important part if you want to bake your own bread and buns. Its the first basic step that you need to do when baking breads. There is no big deal doing it but sometimes beginners need a little help to get it just right

I have tried to share a few little tips that might be handy to some fellow mates who might have trouble getting the job done right

This is what u'll need...

Lukewarm water/milk - 1/4 cup
Yeast - 2 tspn
Sugar - 1 tbspn

Here is the stir.... 

• The first step towards proofing the yeast would be getting the right temperature water/milk 

• Make sure the water/water is lukewarm. We are looking for just warm water/milk and not hot or steaming water/milk. 

• If liquid is too hot it will kill the yeast and if the liquid is too cold it would not activate the yeast at all. You can use a thermometer to check if the temperature is betweem 105-110 degree F. But as I dont own one, I just use my finger to check and it works fine for me every time

• Now pour this lukewarm water/milk into a mug/bowl. Reduce this amount of liquid from the overall amount that your recipe would call for

• Add a tablespoon of sugar to the bowl

• Measure yeast as per the recipe. Mine is mostly 2 tspn so I have added 2 teaspoon here

• Give this mixture a quick and good stir till the sugar is completely dissloved

• Now let this mixture rest undisturbed for about 10-15 minutes. During this period the yeast will work will the sugar and produce carbon-di-oxide which is what will make the dough rise for your recipes. The sugar basically lets us know whether the yeast is alive  or not before we use it with the flour

• After about 12 minutes, the mixture should have turned frothy with a lot of foam at the top. This indicates that the yeast is good to use and you can proceed with your bread baking

• Steps when using milk for the process

• If you see no changes in the liquid after 12 minutes then you would have to start the process of proofing all over again
• Few possible reasons for yeast not activating / proofing are 
• Water too hot
• Water too cold
• Your packet of yeast might be expired. Check the expiry date and try with a fresh packet