How to Proof Yeast
Do you ever wonder what they mean when they say "proof the yeast"?
It only means that you need to take a simple step before making dough for bread. It's important to see that your yeast is alive, (remember that it's a living thing!) because if it's dead, your dough won't rise and if your dough doesn't rise your bread will be tough and if your bread is tough you won't be very happy. So proofing yeast is a way to check if the yeast is alive.
This is how you do it:
In your bread recipe, it probably includes sugar, water, and instant dry yeast. First heat the water sepearetly on the stove until warm but not hot. If your water is too hot, it will kill the yeast. Then put all three ingredients into a bowl and stir. Let it rest for 10 minutes. If the yeast is alive, it will feed on the sugar in the warm water and grow. If your mixture looks foamy and bubbly and "grown" after ten minutes, you're good to go.
This photo shows how it should be if your instant dry yeast is alive:
If the mixture just stays flat and looks like nothing but brown liquid, try again with a new package of instant dry yeast!
Also, you should always check the expiry date. For storing, I seal my yeast package closed after it is opened, and put it in the refirgerator. I keep unopened packages in a drawer.