Did you know that Chapman recently broke ground on its most innovative building to date? The 140,000 square-foot Center for Science and Technology is the manifestation of Chapman’s ongoing commitment to scientific advancement and discovery. Get your future Panthers in the scientific spirit with this engaging and silly experiment, recommended by Chapman’s own Anu Prakash, Director of Schmid College’s Food Science program.

Making bread is an age old tradition, one that is traditionally associated with being long and arduous. But making bread can be fun, and can provide insight into the science of baking and how yeast works. If you are making bread as a microorganism experiment, vary the yeast, sugar, salt, or water temperature for interesting results! We had Food Science graduate student Erika Orejola, and 6-year old Rasa Nazarinia, put the experiment to the test and they delivered some delicious results!

 Materials:

  • 3 Cups flour, divided into three 1 cups
  • 1 (.25) package rapid rise yeast
  • 3 Tbsp white sugar
  • 3 Tbsp olive oil
  • 1 Cup warm water
  •  1.5 tsp salt

1. In a resealable Zip Lock bag combine 1 cup of flour, sugar and yeast and add in warm (not hot) water.

screen-shot-2016-10-06-at-4-25-02-pm2. Remove the air from the bag, seal it, then squish to mix ingredients together.

3. Let the dough sit for 10 minutes at room temperature.

4. Open the bag and add 1 cup of flour, the oil and the salt.  Remove the air from the bag, seal it and squish again.

img_74935. Add the last cup of flour.

6. Continue mixing until well blended.

7. Remove the dough from the bag and put on a lightly floured surface.

8. Knead the dough for 8 minutes until it becomes smooth.

9. Divide the dough and place each into lightly greased bread pans or feel free to construct it into a fun shape (we suggest “C” and “U” for Chapman University!)

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10. Cover the pan with a towel and allow to rise for about 45-60 minutes. The bread should double in size.

11. Bake in a 375 degree oven for 25 minutes or until golden brown.

12. Let the bread cool and enjoy!

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