1. If your yeast has been around for a while, test to make sure it's alive before working with it. Heat 1/2 cup of water to approximately 100 degrees. Pour it over the yeast, and stir. Add a pinch of sugar so the yeast has something to eat.

2. Try again with new yeast if necessary.

3. To make bread, first combine active yeast with flour to create a dough.

4. After mixing, knead the dough to evenly distribute the yeast throughout the dough.

5. After kneading, let the dough rise in a warm area. To prevent the formation of a hard surface on the dough, cover the bowl with plastic wrap, or place a kitchen towel directly on the sureface of the dough.

6. After the dough doubles in size, punch it down and let it rise again.