Intro to Yeast Breads Course

Instructor

• Kristin "Baker Bettie" Hoffman
• Trained chef and baking instructor at BakerBettie.com

Course Objective

• To help participants feel confident about baking with yeast
• Make baking with yeast fun

Yeast Basics

What is Yeast?

• Yeast: A living organism, classified as a fungus
• Found in air, bodies, and various foods
• Dried Yeast: Most common for home baking because it has the moisture removed, putting it in a dormant state

Requirements for Yeast

• Needs moisture and a food source to thrive
• Feeds on sugars and starches (e.g., in flour)

Demonstration

• Reviving Yeast: Add dried yeast to water and sugar
  • Yeast feeds on sugar, creating carbon dioxide gas
  • Bubbles formation indicates yeast is active and feeding

Types of Dried Yeast

1. Active Dry Yeast

• Original form of dried yeast, larger yeast cells
• Slower function, needs to be hydrated but can be added directly to dry ingredients
• Takes twice as long to rise as quick rise yeast

2. Quick Rise Yeast

• Also known as Instant or Rapid Rise Yeast
• Smaller yeast cells, functions quicker
• Rise time is half that of active dry yeast
• Can substitute one for the other in any recipe, except when refrigerating dough for longer periods

3. Platinum Superior Baking Yeast

• Made by Red Star Yeast
• Type of instant rise yeast with bread improvers added
• Helps prevent over kneading and gives better oven spring
• Recommended for new bakers

Important Tips for Working with Yeast

Temperature Considerations

• Hot temperatures can kill yeast
• Recommended temperatures: 110-115°F
• If no thermometer, err on the side of cooler rather than hotter
  • Cool too: Slows down yeast activity
  • Too hot: Kills yeast

Proofing Yeast

• Adding yeast to liquid and a pinch of sugar
• Optional step to ensure yeast is active
• Bubbles and foam on the surface indicate active yeast

Next Steps

• Review the glossary of yeast bread terminology
• First baking project: No-knead hearth bread
  • Simple and impressive outcome

Conclusion

• Excited to start baking with you!