Okay, so the other day I got this wild idea to try making some desserts using yeast. I know, it sounds a bit crazy, right? Most people think yeast is just for bread, but I was like, “Why not desserts?” So, I started digging around.
First off, I grabbed my phone and started searching for what kind of yeast I should even be using. Turns out, there are tons of different types! Who knew? I learned there’s something called baker’s yeast, which is apparently the one you want for desserts. And even within baker’s yeast, you’ve got instant, active dry, and fresh. I decided to go with active dry yeast because it seemed like a good middle ground.
Then, I started looking for some recipes. I found a few that looked pretty simple, like cinnamon rolls and coffee cake. These seemed like a good starting point because I wasn’t trying to become a master baker overnight or anything. It’s good to start with simple things.
Next, I headed to the store to grab some yeast and the other ingredients. I double-checked that I was getting the active dry yeast and not some expired stuff. It is not recommended to use old yeast. Then, I started experimenting.
- I followed the recipe’s instructions and mixed the yeast with warm water and a bit of sugar. I learned that this is called “proofing” the yeast.
- I waited for about 10 minutes until it got all foamy. That’s how you know the yeast is alive and kicking.
- Then, I mixed in the rest of the ingredients like flour, eggs, and butter. It was kind of messy, but fun!
Mixing Dough
After mixing, I kneaded the dough for a while. This was a bit of a workout, but I just followed the recipe’s instructions on how long to knead. Then, I covered the dough and let it sit in a warm place to rise.
Waiting for the dough to rise was the hardest part. I’m not the most patient person, you know? But I distracted myself by cleaning up the kitchen and doing some other chores.
- After about an hour, the dough had doubled in size. I punched it down, shaped it into cinnamon rolls, and let it rise again.
- Finally, I baked them in the oven. The smell was amazing! It filled the whole house and made everyone hungry.
Baking
When they were done, I pulled them out of the oven and let them cool a bit. Then, I made a simple glaze with powdered sugar and milk and drizzled it over the top. They looked so good!
And guess what? They tasted even better! The cinnamon rolls were soft, fluffy, and delicious. It was so satisfying to eat something I made from scratch, especially since it involved yeast, which I always thought was super complicated.
This whole experience taught me that baking with yeast isn’t as scary as it seems. It just takes a bit of time and patience, but the results are totally worth it. Now I’m thinking about what other yeast desserts I can try. Maybe some sweet bread or even donuts! I mean, once you get the hang of it, the possibilities are endless. And it’s fun to share them with family and friends, they will enjoy it.
So, yeah, that was my little adventure with yeast in desserts. It was a good time, and I’d definitely recommend giving it a try if you’re looking for a fun baking project. Don’t worry about failing a few times. Just enjoy the process and the delicious treats you’ll end up with!
