How old is your yeast? is it more than six months old, have you kept it cool, if not throw it out and buy some more. I buy in commercial packages keep it in the freezer take smaller amounts out and keep it in the fridge till used.
Having moved from the Oregon coast at sea level to Ely NV at 6500 feet and many places in between, bread is tough. the environment, elevation, humidity all effect your bread.
If all you want is the smell and taste of fresh bread buy yourself a bread machine, I can give you a good two pound loaf wheat bread recipe for one. We have worn out two bread machines and use our third to make most of the bread my family eats.
If you want to make bread by hand and the hints here don't help find a class, If you cant find one locally then post a wanted message on craigslist, I'm sure someone locally will teach you a lesson or two for a few bucks. here is a link to an tutorial http://www.fabulousfoods.com/recipes/article/223/19904
Eric
Last edited by Eric-WD; 04-04-2009 at 03:39 PM.
"Complexity is easy; Simplicity is difficult."
Georgy Shragin
Designer of ppsh41 sub machine gun