Challah
(Recipe from Livnot)
 
3 TBSP yeast
2.2 lbs flour (~6 Cups)
3/4 c. oil
1.5 c. warm water
3/4 c. sugar
1 heaping TBSP salt
3 eggs
 
Mix yeast w/half cup warm water + half tsp sugar. 
Set aside for 20 minutes (it will bubble).
In large bowl, mix half of the flour, all th eggs, sugar, salt, oil, and warm water. 
Knead dough in bowl, add yeast mixture. 
Add the rest of the flour an knead until uniform. 
Spread a bit of oil in a clean bowl and lay in the dough, turning it over a few times until oiled. 
Cover bowl w/damp towel. 
Put aside for 1.5 hrs (best in a warm place), the dough will rise. 
Punch the middle of the dough, forcing the air out. 
Knead a bit more and again leave to rise for 1 hour. 
Braid in desired shape and again let rise for half hour. 
Beat an eeg and"paint" it over tops of loaves.  add sesame/poppy seeds. 
Bake at 350 for 20-30 minutes (until bottom is brown).