Always Successful Challah - cooking recipe

Ingredients

8 -9 cups flour (pre-sifted is fine)
3/4 - 1 cup sugar
sugar
1 tablespoon salt
2 ounces fresh yeast
2 1/2 cups water (warm, use your wrist to check it)
1/2 cup oil
5 eggs

Preparation

Mix together the water and the yeast with a handful of sugar let sit covered for about 10 minutes until yeast activates.Mix in 2 1/2 cups flour, the sugar and oil.Mix in 4 eggs.Mix in 1 1/2 cups flour very well.Add another 4-5 cups flour until a soft dough is formed.Knead well.Place dough into a large oiled bowl, cover with saran wrap and dish towel and keep out of draft.Let rise until double 1-2 hours. Divide dough into 3 equal balls.If making a 3 braided challah divide each ball into 3 parts roll out and braid.If making a 6 braided challh divide each ball into 6 parts roll out and braid.Let rise for about 1/2 hour uncovered.Beat egg and brush on challah.Bake in a pre-heated oven at 350 degrees for 45 minutes or until golden brown.