Tutorial - How to Test or Proof Your Yeast for Freshness
Your yeast absolutely must be fresh and active for all of your recipes to achieve their proper lift.
Cuisine: American
Ingredients
1½teaspoonactive dry yeast(about half a packet)
½cupwarm water or warm milk
½teaspoonsugar
Instructions
Combine all ingredients in a small bowl. Wait 10-15 minutes.
If your yeast is fresh, your yeast mixture should have bubbles or a foam top. Stir well and then add it to your recipe or starter, adjusting for the liquid content since you used ½ cup warm water or milk.
Notes
You can also use this method to test instant yeast (also known as rapid rise yeast) for freshness.