Because yeast does not die until it reaches a temperature of 130°F., bread will often rise somewhat during the first ten to fifteen minutes of baking, when the yeast activity becomes accelerated and fermentation creates some gas. As the center of the dough becomes hotter than 130°F., all growth ceases, the alcohol bakes off, and the loaf begins to set at its final size.
© 1991 Peter Reinhart. All rights reserved.