How to Activate Yeast for Braided Bread

Yeast is used as a leavening agent in many types of breads, but it must be activated for the bread to rise properly. With water, mild heat and sugar, yeast can be activated for baking braided bread.

Things You'll Need

• Yeast
• Warm water
• Liquid measuring cup
• Wire whisk or mixer
• Sugar

Instructions

1. Turn the kitchen tap on. Let the water run until it is warm. Measure the appropriate amount of water in a liquid measuring cup. Take the temperature of the water with a thermometer to verify that it is 104 degrees Fahrenheit. If it isn't, heat the water to that temperature.

2. Pour the water into the mixing bowl. Sprinkle the yeast over the top of the water. Gently mix the yeast with a wire whisk or mixer just until it is dissolved.

3. Measure out the amount of sugar that your braided bread recipe calls for. Pour the sugar into the water and yeast mixture. Stir the mixture until the sugar is dissolved.

4. Place the bowl in an area that is free from drafts. Let the yeast mixture set for about five minutes or until it is bubbly.

5. Continue with your bread recipe once the yeast has been activated and is very bubbly. Do not use the yeast mixture if it is not bubbly--it is not activated. Start the process over if the mixture is not bubbly after five minutes.

6. Double check the expiration date on the yeast and the temperature of the water if you have troubles activating the yeast.