2 c. milk, scalded or 2/3 c. powdered milk
1/4 c. shortening
1/2 c. honey
Pinch of salt
2 eggs
2 pkg. yeast
1/4 c. warm water
8 c. flour
1 egg, beaten

Milk added to dry ingredients and 2 cups hot tap water or 2 cups water only (pareve).

1. Dissolve yeast in 1/4 cup warm water.

2. If using milk; heat milk, shortening and honey then cool to lukewarm. If using water - mix warm water with shortening and honey.

3. Place 4 cups of flour in a mixing bowl (if using powdered milk add it here and mix well with flour), add yeast mixture, salt and beaten eggs. Mix thoroughly, continue adding flour until it is too stiff to mix with a spoon.

4. Turn out onto floured surface. Knead, adding flour as necessary, about 10 minutes until dough is smooth and satiny.

5. Place dough in a greased bowl, turn to grease top, cover with towel and place in a warm spot to rise until double (about 1 hour).

6. Punch down dough. Shape into 2 loaves, place on greased baking sheet.

7. Brush dough with beaten egg, top with poppy seeds or sesame seeds, if desired.

8. Let rise until almost double. Bake in a 400 degree oven for 30 minutes. Cool on a rack.