differences in yeast

[Blackdog Lin]

For any of you bread-makers out there (which I am not): I'm thinking about trying some homemade hamburger/hot dog buns tomorrow. A recommended recipe I've found calls for instant yeast; all I have in the house (fridge) is a jar of Active Dry, which I guess isn't the instant kind.

Are they interchangable? Would it change any techniques or rise times?

Thanks!

[peggy]

Yes, it will change the rise time. Allow for more time in rising. When you rise, go by looks rather than time. Hope that helps.

[herbgeek]

Instant yeast can be mixed with the dry ingredients and used directly. Active dry needs to be proofed in some liquid to get it to come alive.

[Blackdog Lin]

Thanks guys. I have the gist of it. Will use my active dry in warm water, and plan for a longer rise time (or heck, I'll just research another recipe. Jeesh, I'm so clueless sometimes.....I have the time, I have the internet to research recipes, I can probably find one that will use what I have on hand. I just wanted to play with making our own homemade baked bread items, instead of running to the store for them. DH wants a simple meal of hot dogs on buns with the awesome homemade relish that was given us.)

I am 2 weeks into my retirement. So far, it seems that I will go to any lengths (in the manner of new homemade cooking) to avoid having to do housecleaning (if I spend my time with homemade meal planning/cooking, I just don't have the time for housecleaning too!) DH is a smiling man - he cares not for housecleaning, preferring my new homemade menus instead.

After homemade buns, I really want to try homemade tortillas. Then real, and really good, sandwich bread. And then.....anything else that avoids housecleaning.....I'd rather cook.....

[Tussiemussies]

Along with the active yeast and warm water, if there is any sugar or honey in the recipe, I would add that too, to give the yeast something to eat LOL

[Blackdog Lin]

Thanks again for the help guys. Re-researched online recipes and found one (King Arthur's flour site - I figure they should sure know what they're doing) that uses the type of yeast I have on hand. Basic ingredients and techniques too - it looks easy enough anyway. Gonna give it a try today.

[treehugger]

Thanks again for the help guys. Re-researched online recipes and found one (King Arthur's flour site - I figure they should sure know what they're doing) that uses the type of yeast I have on hand. Basic ingredients and techniques too - it looks easy enough anyway. Gonna give it a try today.

You cannot go wrong following King Arthur recipes and advice. They turned me into a bread baker (well, them, and those Artisan in 5 Minutes people)! Enjoy the journey, and remember, no matter how it turns out, it will at the very least be edible. :)

Kara

P.S. I greatly prefer cooking and baking and experimenting in the kitchen to housecleaning as well.

[Blackdog Lin]

Well, quite the bun-maker am I! Baking got put off to this morning, and after doing some reading-up realized I should probably check my yeast (proof it?) before I got into the whole thing. A little yeast, a little sugar and some warm water and.....nothing. It's just sitting there laughing at me. No bubbling, no volume, nothing. Then I checked the jar. It expired June '11.

I've read that yeast should keep in the fridge well beyond the expiration date, but I think I should probably replace mine before my first try. :)