Yeast is an unassuming part of our kitchen, but without it, there would be no fluffy bread, airy pizza, or fragrant yeast braid. Normally, we buy it without a second thought at the supermarket.

Ask most home bakers what yeast does, and you'll probably hear that it makes bread rise. That's like saying a computer lets you type — it's true, but it's also a lot more than that. Yeast is a living ...

Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. Live yeast is essential for light, fluffy breads and baked goods, while dead yeast can ruin your dough. Check yeast freshness by ...