1

Combine yeast, 2 T. sugar, and ¼ cup warm water in a small bowl. Let stand for 5 minutes.

2

Sift 4½ cups flour and salt into a large mixing bowl. Make a well in the center of the dough and drop in eggs, oil, 1¼ cups water, ½ cup sugar and yeast mixture. Work the liquids into the dough mixture with your hands.

3

Turn dough onto floured board (or silicone mat), and knead until smooth and elastic. Place in a mixing bowl and brush top with additional oil. Cover with a towel and let sit in a warm place for one hour to rise.

4

Punch down dough, cover and let it rise again until it has doubled in bulk. Turn the dough out onto the floured board. Divide the dough into 3 equal parts to make one large loaf, or six equal parts to make two smaller loaves.

5

Flour your hands, then roll each piece of dough into a strip so that they are all of equal length. Braid and place loaves on greased cookie sheet. Cover and let rise until double in size.

6

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Brush bread with egg yolk and sprinkle with poppy seeds (if desired). Bake 45-50 minutes, or until golden brown.