The first couple of times I tried making yeast breads I failed miserably. Here is a visual guide of what you should be looking for. Most recipes will call for the basics:
- Warm water
- Yeast
- Flour
I'm not adding amounts given that each recipe will give you the right ones to use depending on the size of what you're baking. It's not a pretty sight, but this is what it looks like when you initially add all of them together.
It looks disgusting, I know, but wait until you see the next image.
About 10 minutes later, the mixture will increase in volume and will start to bubble.
This is how you'll know it's ready to be used.
The recipe will normally tell you to make a well in the center of the dough, and then you'll have to mix all the rest of the ingredients.
Because the pictures I put here are not too nice looking, let's look at what the dough should look like before rising.
The dough is usually a bit sticky.
Then you cover and place in a warm place, as instructed by your recipe, and this is what you end up with.
Not only will it look nice, the room it was placed in will smell delicious.
And there you have it. The dough will have risen, as it should, and you'll have great bread to share.
Enjoy!