Perfect Challah

Directions

1. 1
   Combine yeast with water and sugar in a large bowl and after 5 minutes add 1 cup flour, stirring well.
2. 2
   Cover and let rest for 20 minutes.
3. 3
   Now add salt, oil and eggs less the one yolk which you will use to glaze the loaf.
4. 4
   Stir in last of flour and knead on a board for 5 minutes.
5. 5
   Grease and seal into refrigerator to rise slowly overnight.
6. 6
   Divide dough in two the next morning then each half into three ropes of dough.
7. 7
   Braid three ropes and tuck in ends and place on a greased baking sheet.
8. 8
   Let rise to double and glaze with a mixture of the egg yolk with 1 teaspoon water and a pinch of salt.
9. 9
   Sprinkle with poppy seeds.
10. 10
    Bake at 425° for 15 minutes, then 350° for 15 minutes.
11. 11
    I make this at Easter.