Place in a lightly greased bowl to rise until doubled. Punch down and divide into 4 equal pieces. Cover and let rest for 10 minutes. Divide each of the pieces into 3 equal pieces and form into long rope shapes. Braid the dough ropes.
Tuck ends under and place on a greased baking sheet.
Repeat with remaining pieces of dough. Rise until doubled. Brush loaves with egg yolk beaten with 2 tablespoons water and sprinkle with sesame or poppy seeds. You can also substitute 3 cups oatmeal for some of the flour.