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Warm water is crucial for activating the yeast; if it’s too cold, the yeast won’t foam, and if it’s too hot, it can kill the yeast. A good tip is to warm your mixing bowl beforehand to maintain the water temperature if you’re working in a chilly kitchen.
Activating the Yeast
In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the warm water and sugar. Stir in the active dry yeast and let it sit for about five minutes until it becomes foamy. If your yeast doesn’t foam, that’s a sign it’s expired, and you’ll need to start over with fresh yeast.