Andrea'S Challah - cooking recipe

Ingredients

4 1/2 cups warm water (I microwave it for 2 min in a bowl until slightly warmer than body temperature - 105 degrees)
3 tablespoons dry yeast
1 tablespoon sugar
5 lbs bread flour (high gluten flour)
2 1/2 cups sugar
1 1/2 tablespoons salt
1 1/2 cups canola oil
4 eggs, beaten
1 egg, beaten with a little water to thin

Preparation

Preheat the oven to 325.
Mix the warm water, yeast and 1 tablespoons sugar together, set aside in a warm (not hot) place to proof (make sure the yeast is active) until frothy.
In a very large bowl, mix together the flour, sugar and salt, then make a well in the center.
Into the well, add the oil, 4 beaten eggs and proofed yeast mixture.
Mix with a wooden spoon, then knead until dough is stretchy.
Let rise, covered, for 1 1/2-3 hours - at least until doubled.
Punch down, then shape as you wish.
Let shaped loaves rise again for another 30 min or so, brush with egg wash, then bake on a foil-lined, greased baking sheet for 30 min or until a deep golden brown.