4 to 5 c. flour
3 tbsp. sugar
1 tsp. salt
2 pkg. yeast
1 1/2 c. water
1/4 c. butter

Melt butter. Add water, sugar, and salt. Stir in yeast. Let sit 10 minutes. Add flour, mixing with spoon or spatula until dough is too stiff. Knead in remaining flour by hand to form a smooth dough. Let rise 15 minutes. Braid into 4 small or 2 large challahs. Let rise in 200 degree oven for 20 minutes. Bake at 425 degrees for 20 minutes.