Bread-Bakers v106.n010.10

When I started baking in the early 1970's, I bought "James Beard on 
Bread" and he suggested that active dry yeast was so reliable there 
was no reason to proof it.  Just mix it in with the dry ingredients 
and make your bread.  I have found his instructions to be correct.

Just skip this error prone step and use your yeast directly, whether 
it is active dry or instant yeast.  I don't think you'll regret it.

Mike