How to proof yeast
I’m not sure if anyone else has this problem—but from time to time, my bread flops. It fails to rise. And it’s the worst feeling ever. I’m embarrassed to say that I used to boil water before pouring it over yeast. Needless to say I killed the yeast. Big time.
Luckily, I’ve learned a thing or two since. So to ease your bread making, yeast rising fears, I made a video. Just humor me. This is my first video making attempt. Definitely a faux and not a pro when it comes to this.
How to proof yeast
1. According to your recipe, add warm liquid (s) to bowl. It should between 110°-115°. Use a thermometer to be sure. When you get more comfortable, you can ditch the thermometer. I hold my hand just above the water to detect warmth. You want it to be warm but not hot. I’m not a mom yet, but I imagine the baby bottle squirt on wrist technique will work for this as well.
2. Add a pinch of sugar to the liquid whether the recipe calls for it or not. Sugar feeds the yeast and helps it to grow. If the recipe calls for sugar, only add a pinch during this step.
3. Pour yeast into bowl. Give it a little stir and watch it proof or foam. Bubbles will begin to appear on the surface. This takes 5-10 minutes.
4. Use yeast mixture according to recipe.
Why proof?
Proofing allows you to make sure the yeast is active before you add it to the rest of the ingredients. If it fails to proof, start over. Most likely you’ve only wasted water and a pinch of sugar.
Give it a try with the Brioche Burger Buns recipe. I wish you great success in your bread rising adventures!
The video looks great! Can’t wait to see more from you!
Thanks for the encouragement Ruby! Let’s hope I get better asap!
[...] • Leary about working with yeast? Check this how-to video out. • Have leftover buns? No problem. Stick them in a freezer safe bag. Make sure all the air is [...]
[...] DOUGH 3/4 c. buttermilk, warmed to 110° 1 envelope (2 1/4 tsp.) instant or rapid rise yeast 6 tbsp. unsalted butter, melted and cooled 3 [...]
Great video, I am a big fan of homemade bread and am collecting little tips and quirks with every loaf I make.
A couple of other things I think are worth passing on:
brown/ demerara sugar gives a nicer crust and colour to your finished bread
if your recipe calls for salt you should sift it along with the flour and not add separately as it can kill the yeast
warming the flour for 10mins in the lowest setting on your oven is a step not to be missed
you can prove your yeast in warmed milk instead of water, makes a lovely soft bread
if you spritz the inside of your oven with water when you put the bread in it will create steam and form a crunchier crust
Blue Skies,
Charlotte
Love it! Thanks for passing along all these wonderful tips!
Now I can experiment with bread! Thank you!!! Now, is that Katie Melua??? Love your choice!
It’s Bic Runga, but now I think I found a new artist—Kate Melua. Thanks for the recommendation! Definitely hear the similarities. Let me know how the bread baking goes!
[...] and yeast in a bowl. Allow yeast to proof for 5 minutes. (Still weary about yeast? I made a little video for you.) 3. Pulse flours, parmesan, and salt in food processor until combined. 4. Add flour [...]
[...] notes: • If yeast wigs you out, check out this video. I always proof my yeast first. • Pizza sauce is super easy to make. I typically saute onions [...]
[...] I think these recipes will give you a friendly introduction. If you’re still afraid, I made this little video for you awhile back. It’s nothing fancy. I’m no expert on yeast by any means. But I [...]
[...] DOUGH 3/4 c. buttermilk, warmed to 110° 1 envelope (2 1/4 tsp.) instant or rapid rise yeast 6 tbsp. unsalted butter, melted and cooled 3 [...]
Dear Faux Martha,
I can’t wait to try your monkey bread recipe. The instructions make it seem so easy. I have a “yeast bread” phobia. I’ll get back to you if I’ve accomplished a likable product. By the way is the selected Bic Runga tune, playing on the tutorial, on iTunes?
See previous from R. Jackson
[...] you’re scared of yeast, check out this video I made a while back. Sharing is caring:Like this:LikeOne blogger likes [...]