2 2/3 tbsp. vegetable oil
4 c. bread flour
2 2/3 tbsp. sugar
2 tsp. salt
2 1/2 tsp. yeast
1 1/3 c. water
2 1/2 eggs, slightly beaten
Poppy seeds (optional)
1 egg, beaten

Directions for bread machine using the basic dough mode.

Combine bread flour, sugar and salt in bread pan. Next, pour water, 2 1/2 slightly beaten eggs and vegetable oil on top. Fill yeast dispenser with 2 1/2 teaspoons of yeast. Press start pad. It should take approximately 2 hours and 25 minutes to complete.

Remove dough from bread pan after beeping stops. Divide dough into 3 pieces. Roll pieces into strands of equal length and then braid them together. Cover and let rise for about 45 to 50 minutes. Brush top with a beaten egg and sprinkle poppy seeds on top. Bake at 375 degrees for 45 to 50 minutes. Makes 1 large challah.