21. Treat Yeast with R-e-s-p-e-c-t.
Baking with yeast is a joy when you get it right. First and foremost, make sure the yeast has not expired (check the package). To proof active dry yeast, soak it in warm water (105° to 110° F, about the temperature of warm bathwater) for about 5 minutes. Too cool, and the yeast may take longer to rise; too warm, and you could kill the yeast.