Challah(Jewish Sabbath Bread) - cooking recipe

Ingredients

3 c. warm water
2 pkg. yeast
4 tsp. sugar
10 c. flour
4 tsp. salt
2 eggs, slightly beaten
3 Tbsp. salad oil
1 beaten egg yolk
1 tsp. water
sesame or poppy seed

Preparation

Combine 2 cups water, yeast and sugar in small bowl; set aside to rise.
Combine 9 cups flour, salt, eggs and oil in large mixing bowl.
Add yeast mixture and 1 cup water.
Mix well.
Sprinkle 1 cup flour on board; turn out dough and knead until smooth and elastic, about 8 to 10 minutes.
Place in greased bowl; cover and let rise in warm place until double in size (about an hour).
Turn out on floured surface.
Punch down and divide in half.
Divide each half into 3 equal parts and form into 15-inch lengths.
Place 3 lengths on a greased baking sheet and braid.
Repeat with other lengths.
Press ends together and turn under.
Cover; let rise 45 minutes.
Brush with combined egg yolk and water.
Sprinkle with sesame or poppy seed.
Bake at 350\u00b0 for 45 minutes.
Makes 2 loaves.