Jeanie Grossinger'S Hotel Challah - cooking recipe

Ingredients

2 1/4 teaspoons yeast
2 teaspoons sugar
1 1/4 cups lukewarm water (110 F)
4 1/2 cups sifted flour
1 teaspoon salt
2 eggs
2 tablespoons oil
1 egg yolk
poppy seed (optional)

Preparation

1. Combine yeast, sugar and 1/4 cup warm water. Set aside for 5 minutes.
2. Sift the flour and salt into a bowl. Make a well in the center and drop the eggs, oil, remaining water and yeast mixture into the hole.
3. Work into flour a little at a time ( you may not need the whole amount or you made need more.) Knead dough until smooth and elastic. Place in an oiled bowl, covered, and let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled.
4. Divide the dough int 3 pieces and roll into 3 ropes. Braid ropes and place into oiled pan. Cover and let rise again until doubled.
5. Brush with egg yolks ( sprinkle poppy seeds). Bake in 375 F oven ( preheated) for 40 minutes or until nicely browned.