Proofing

Proofing is a way to sort of wake up dry yeast and get it ready to go to work.  You do not have to proof dry yeast but everything I have read says it helps so I usually will do it.  Ok, start by putting about a cup of water in a sauce pan on the stove and boil for about 5 minutes.  Take of the heat and allow to cool down to about 100 degrees.  You can check this with a thermometer but it needs to be sanitized before sticking it in the water.  You don't want the water hotter than 100 degrees since this will kill the yeast if it is too hot.  After it has cooled sprinkle the yeast in and let sit for five minutes.   Then gently swirl around to mix the yeast and let sit another 10 minutes.  After that, it is ready to use.