[JustJo]

Originally Posted by Novelafemme

Hello Fellow Bakers

I watched a bunch of youtube videos yesterday on how to bake bread and now I think I know what I was doing wrong.

#1. The water I put the yeast into was waaaay too hot and was killing the yeast. I learned that the perfect yeast brewing temp. is 115 degrees. I went out and bought a cooking thermometer so I can check it out first.

#2. Only use about a tablespoon of sweetener or else it will also overwhelm the yeast.

#3. After adding flour to the yeasty water, mix just until the clumps are gone, cover and let it double in size.

I also think I was kneeding it way too hard. This guy said to be care you don't tear the dough and put just a little bit of pressure on it.

Oh hell, here's the video

http://youtu.be/-Rjd1NZfG4Y

Yay! This looks like great advice.

Always have to remember that yeast is a living thing...and needs to be handled like a baby...warm water, something to eat and gentle handling.

I do the first kneading instead of mixing, and I add a little more sweetener...but those are pretty minor differences.

You're right....if the water is too hot, the yeast is killed and then you have flatbread.