Challah - cooking recipe

Ingredients

2 pkg. yeast
2 c. warm water
4 tsp. salt
1/2 c. sugar
1 1/4 c. melted shortening
3 eggs, beaten
7 c. flour
poppy seed

Preparation

Dissolve yeast in water in large bowl; rest for a moment.
Add salt, sugar and shortening.
Blend in eggs and 1/2 flour (save a small amount of the egg).
Slowly add rest of flour and stir until dough is stiff.
Turn on lightly floured board and knead until satiny-smooth.
Place in greased bowl; cover and let rise until double in size (about one hour).
Punch down.
Cut into equal portions and roll into strips.
Braid strips and seal ends.
Place on greased sheet.
Let rise one hour.
Brush with egg and sprinkle with poppy seed.
Bake at 350\u00b0 for 45 minutes to 1 hour.