Challah(Braided Egg Bread) - cooking recipe

Ingredients

5 to 6 c. flour (4 to 5 c. unbleached white and 1 c. whole wheat)
3 eggs
1 Tbsp. dry yeast
2 tsp. salt
1 Tbsp. sugar or honey
1 1/2 c. warm water
2 Tbsp. oil
1/2 c. raisins (optional)
poppy or sesame seed (optional)
vegetable shortening
cornmeal (optional)

Preparation

Measure very warm water into large mixing bowl and add yeast. Set aside for approximately 5 minutes until yeast \"proofs\" (bubbles/foams).