A Made Bread But I Had A Problem...?!
But I also didn't read that you shouldn't add salt directly to the yeast so that was the first thing I put in when I was adding the rest of my ingredients.
The bread was fine, but it was a little dense. Which one of these mistakes caused that and what should I do next time?
Answers: I was afraid that the bread would collapse onto itself and I heard that that is really bad, so I took it and made my bread before I think it had risen enough.
But I also didn't read that you shouldn't add salt directly to the yeast so that was the first thing I put in when I was adding the rest of my ingredients.
The bread was fine, but it was a little dense. Which one of these mistakes caused that and what should I do next time?
I believe you didn't let the dough rise fully.
Salt can cause a problem, but if the dough was rising then that meant the yeast was doing it's job. That's why I think you didn't let it rise enough.
Next time, let the bread rise fully and punch it down. Shape it into a loaf and let it rise a little more.
For the salt, add directly to the flour instead of the proofing yeast liquid. If you just added dry yeast to the flour, the you're all good.
Edit...
Typically, bread has two risings. The first you allow the dough to double in size (usually in a bowl). Afterwards, you lighly roll/knead the dough (punch down) and shape the loaf. Now you let it rise again before it goes into the oven.
How much the second time? about 1.5 times...
For example, when you first place the dough in the loaf pan and the dough fills about half-way. Then I'd let it rise until the pan is about 3/4ths full. That's when I'll bake.
It should rise until doubled in size. It will have a nice domed top when it is ready.
Bert
Yes, you should let the dough rise until it is doubled. One thing I have learned is not to let the yeast come in contact with the salt. It sounds like you are doing OK, you just need a little more practice and learn from your past experience.
I use a bread machine and have had a lot of fun and great results with that.