Braided Challah Bread

===Ingredients===
* 1 tablespoon sugar
* 1 tablespoon dry yeast
* 1½ cup lukewarm water
* 8 cups flour
* 1¼ cup sugar
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 4 tablespoons vegetable oil
* 1½ cups lukewarm water
* 2 eggs, well beaten
* 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
* 1 egg, well beaten, for glaze
* 2 tablespoons poppy or sesame seeds 
==Directions==
# Make a sponge by mixing the tablespoon of sugar and yeast in the half-cup of warm water.
# Let stand in a warm place for about ten minutes, or until foamy.
# Sift the dry ingredients together - the remaining flour, sugar, and salt.
# Mix the four tablespoons of oil, the remaining water, and the two eggs in a small bowl and add them to the flour mixture.
# Mix well.
# Then add the yeast sponge and mix well.
# Knead until satiny smooth.
# Use the remaining oil to rub the bowl and put the dough in it.
# Turn it over to oil the top and cover it with a damp cloth.
# Put the bowl in a warm place for one hour, or until dough is doubled in bulk.
# Preheat the oven to 350°F.
# Punch down the dough and re-form into a ball.
# Divide it into two equal pieces and knead each lightly.
# Divide each half into three pieces and form each into a rope about three-fourths of an inch in diameter.
# Pinch one end of three ropes, braid, then pinch the other end.
# Tuck both ends under the loaf.
# Repeat with the other three ropes.
# Put the braided loaves on a greased cookie sheet and let them rise ten minutes.
# Paint each loaf with beaten egg and sprinkle with seeds.
# Bake for about 55 minutes, or until golden brown and hollow sounding when tapped on the bottom with a spoon.
Category:Jewish Snacks
Category:Challah Recipes
Category:Sesame seed Recipes
Category:Yeast Recipes
Category:Bread Recipes