Expert: Elyse Grau - 3/7/2010

Question
As a beginner I have been sticking with one very basic recipe and trying to get it right before I branch out. The big issue I am having is that I just don't get any rise in the final loaf. They are coming out fairly flat on top and the last one even collapsed a little as it was cooling. Today I tried to shorten the first rise a little to see if that helped the second rise in the pan and it looks like I will be waiting forever for it to rise enough to bake. I proofed the yeast and it seemed to be working very well. I have tried with and without a sponge ahead of time and it seems to make no difference. I have noticed that even though the dough hasn't risen much yet I can poke my finger in and leave a hole that doesn't close back after only 15 minutes of the first rise. This despite the fact that it is very springy when I stop kneading it. The recipe I'm using is just a basic one cup liquid 3 cups flour for a small loaf pan. The bread does come out with a fairly nice texture and taste. I just don't know where to begin to figure out why I have the rising problem.

Answer
Ken:
How long are you letting it rise the first time? I'm wondering if the first rise is too long and the yeast is getting used up. After 15 minutes (1st rise), the dough simply hasn't yet started to rise, that is why you're not seeing the dent fill in.

Also, if your second rise is too long the bread may collapse in the oven or while it is cooling.

Elyse