4 1/2 to 5 1/2 c. unsifted flour
2 tbsp. sugar
1 1/2 tsp. salt
1 pkg. active dry yeast
1/3 c. 100% corn oil butter, softened
Pinch powdered saffron
1 c. very hot tap water
4 eggs, at room temperature
1 tsp. cold water
1/4 tsp. poppy seeds

In large bowl, thoroughly mix together 1 1/4 cup flour, sugar, salt and yeast; add softened butter. Dissolve saffron in hot water; gradually add to dry ingredients and beat 2 minutes at medium speed of electric mixer, scraping bowl occasionally.

Add 3 eggs, 1 egg white (reserve yolk for step 8) and 1/2 cup flour (or enough flour to make a thick batter); beat at high speed 2 minutes, scraping bowl occasionally. Stir in remaining flour (or more, if need to make a soft dough). Turn dough out onto lightly floured board; knead until smooth and elastic, about 8 to 10 minutes.

Place dough in greased bowl, turning to grease top; cover and let rise in warm place, free from draft, until doubled in bulk, about 1 h our.

Punch dough down; turn out onto lightly floured board. Divide dough in half; divide each half into 2 pieces (reserving one piece for second loaf). Working with first piece, divide dough into 2 parts, with one part 1/3 of dough and the other, 2/3 of dough.

Take larger piece (2/3) and divide it into 3 equal size parts. roll each part into a 13 inch rope. Braid the 3 ropes together and place the braid on greased baking sheet, sealing the braid together at each end. Take the smaller piece of dough (1/3) and divide it into 3 equal size parts. Roll each part into a 10 inch rope. Braid the 3 ropes together, seal the ends, and place on top of larger braid on baking sheet.

Repeat this entire process with reserved half of dough for second loaf and place on baking sheet. Beat together remaining egg yolk and cold water; brush loaves with egg mixture and sprinkle with poppy seeds. Let rise, uncovered, in warm place, free from drafts, until doubled in bulk, about 1 hour. Bake in preheated 400 degree oven 20 to 25 minutes or until done. Remove from baking sheets and cool on wire racks.