My Favorite Challah...

Directions

1. 1
   Combine the water, yeast and sugar. Let stand 10 minutes.
2. 2
   Meanwhile, beat the eggs, oil, salt and sugar until pale yellow.
3. 3
   Add flour, 1 cup at a time.
4. 4
   Knead 10 minutes.
5. 5
   Place in a sprayed bowl. Cover with a damp towel. Let rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
6. 6
   Punch down. Knead again.
7. 7
   Repeat rising for 30 minutes.
8. 8
   Punch down. Divide into 3 even pieces.
9. 9
   Roll each out into a rope shape.
10. 10
    Braid.
11. 11
    Cover. Let rise 30 minutes.
12. 12
    Heat oven 400.
13. 13
    Brush loaf with egg.
14. 14
    Bake 10 minutes. Reduce oven temp to 350. Bake 30 more minutes.
15. 15
    Let cool on racks.