On Sunday when I was getting ready to prepare Pirashki I realized that the yeast package that I had in our pantry was only 3 months away from expiring.  I had bought it a while back so I had first and foremost check to see if it was still good.

I had to do a little homework on how to proof yeast. I am not much of a bread baker so yeast and I don’t usually work together.

All you need is the following:

1 package of yeast
1 tbsp sugar
1 cup water

Baking and I don’t particularly get along because it is all about chemistry. I dodged taking a chemistry class in college because I was not remotely interested in being a science major.  This whole proofing thing was a reminder that you just don’t throw things together!!

The first time I tried proofing I just boiled some water.  I mixed the sugar and yeast and then poured the water over it.  Yeah I totally killed the yeast. It didn’t rise, it didn’t do anything! Then I remembered reading that the water had to be “warm.”  So the second time around I did some research and low and behold the water has to be 100°! So I took my trusted food thermometer out and went to work.

Then you must mix the water and sugar first.

THEN add the yeast and mix well together.  Let is rest for about 5 to 10 minutes.

And the yeast should then foam. This means that your yeast is good and ready to bake!