Step 1

Hold an instant-read thermometer under running water to find correct temperature. If the water is cold, the yeast will stay inactive and if it is too hot, the yeast will die. In a small bowl, add the amount of water called for in your recipe.

Step 2

Measure out the yeast and add it to the water. Whisk to completely dissolve the yeast. If there is sugar in your recipe, add a pinch to the water. Adding the sugar will give the yeast something to eat and will speed up the process.

Step 3

Wait 10 minutes. If the yeast is alive, it will form a bubbly crust as it eats the sugar and gives off gasses. If nothing happens, your yeast is dead. Do not proceed with dead yeast because your recipe will fail.