When your recipe calls for warm water, getting the temperature right is key. Yeast needs warm water to become active - but water that's too hot can damage or kill the yeast —all yeasts die at 138°F. Yeast will activate in warm water within the range of temperatures anywhere between 95°F and 115°F. Without resorting to a thermometer, how do you guesstimate your water temp? Try the finger test. Since our bodies are about 98.6°F, water that is in the correct range will feel just slightly warm to the touch.
