Step 1: Leavening - In order to rise, bread requires a leavening agent, such as yeast. This is mixed with water and sugar and set aside in a warm place to activate. It's ready when the mixture is frothing. The yeast mixture is then combined with flour and salt to form a dough.
Bake your Own Bread
Step 2: Kneading - This ensures the dough will rise by lengthening the gluten strands and evenly distributing the yeast. Use both hands simultaneously in a pressing, folding and turning action
until the dough is smooth and elastic. Kneading takes between five and 20 minutes, depending on the recipe.
Step 3: Rising - Set the dough aside in a warm, draught-free place to rise for at least 30 minutes. Bread that hasn't had enough time to rise (or that has risen too quickly due to an excess amount of yeast) can have a coarse texture. The dough is ready when it's at least one-and-a-half times its original size.
Source: http://www.taste.com.au/how+to/articles/372/bake+perfect+bread
Bake your Own Bread
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