Here is my recipe:
2 pkgs. instant dry yeast
7-8 cups unbleached flour
1/2 c. sugar
1 Tbsp. salt
1 1/2 c. hot (not boiling) water
1/2 c. oil
4 eggs
In mixer bowl, mix 3 c. flour, dry yeast, sugar and salt. Add hot water and mix well. Add oil and eggs and mix for about a minute.
With the bread hook on the mixer, add the remaining flour one cup at a time until a dough ball is formed and separated from the side of the mixer. Knead for about 5 minutes. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the dough rise for about 2 hours.
Punch down the dough and knead some more. Cut the dough into 2 or 3 pieces. Then cut each piece into 3, roll out into strips and braid together.
Spray bread pans with nonstick spray and sprinkle with corn meal. Place each braided loaf into a bread pan, cover, and let rise until dough fills the pan.
Heat the oven to 400. Mix 1 egg and brush the top of each loaf. Sprinkle with sesame seeds or poppy seeds, if desired. Bake until well browned on top.
This will make 2 large or 3 medium loaves.
