One Christmas I was asked to bring rolls to a church dinner. I had made bread before so I figured rolls would be no big deal and waited until the last minute to make them. Oh, My, Gosh! To say “what a disappointment” would be an understatement. My yeast was old, it was a cold day and my dough wouldn’t rise! I finally baked them anyway and I can attest to the fact that they were the saddest rolls at the dinner. So, I decided to learn how to make rolls. After bread making classes, watching videos and advice from Chef Brad on Cooking with Grains, I have learned a few things.
First, it’s important to have good, active yeast. This is what is responsible for making your dough rise and gives it it’s light, airiness. In order to activate your yeast you need a sugar and warm water. For my rolls I combine 1/4 cup of white granulated sugar with 2 level tablespoons of yeast and 2 cups of warm water. If the water is too hot, it will kill the yeast, so be careful. Let this stand until it becomes all foamy. Then you know your yeast is good.
