The
test
described
below
will
allow
you
to
check
whether
your
yeast
is
fresh
and
active
or
not.
(1) Pour 1/2 cup warm water (45-50
°C
) into a measuring cup
(2) Add 1 tsp. white sugar into the cup and stir, then sprinkle 2tsp. yeast over the water.
(3) Put the measuring cup in a warm place for about 10min. Do not stir the water.
(4) The froth generated by yeast shall come up to the 1-cup mark, otherwise the yeast may be
stale or inactive.
9.
Salt
Salt is necessary to improve bread flavor and crust colour. But salt can also restrain yeast from
rising. Never use too much salt in a recipe. If you don't want to use salt, omit it, but bread would
be a bit larger.
10.
Egg
Eggs add richness and a soft texture to bread dough and cakes.
11.
Butter
Butter can make bread soften and delay storage life. Butter should be melted or chopped to
small particles before using.
12.
Baking powder
Baking powder is a raising agent mainly used in making the Ultra Fast bread and cakes. It does
not require fermentation time before baking as the chemical reaction works during baking
process.
13.
Soda
The same as above, it can also be used in combination with baking powder.
14.
Water and other liquid
Water is essential ingredient for making bread. Generally, water temperature between 20
0
C and
25
0
C is ideal. But for making Ultra Fast bread, the water temperature should be within 45-50
0
C in
order to enhance fermentation rate. The water may also be replaced by fresh milk, or water
mixed with 2% milk powder, which may enhance bread flavor and improve crust colour. Some
recipes call for juices (such as apple juice, orange juice, lemon juice and etc.) in order to add
flavor to the bread.
12
Yeast test
