1/2 c. light brown sugar
1/2 c. vegetable oil
1 tbsp. salt
2 c. hot water
2 pkg. dry yeast
1/2 c. lukewarm water
1 tbsp. sugar
4 eggs
8-10 c. flour
1 beaten egg
Poppy seeds

Combine brown sugar, oil and salt in a large bowl. Pour 2 cups hot water and stir to blend. Stir yeast into 1/2 cup lukewarm water with 1 tablespoon sugar.

Beat 4 eggs. Add eggs and yeast to first mixture; blend well. Gradually add flour to make a soft dough. Knead until smooth and elastic and fingers pull out clean from dough. Cover; let rise by placing bowl in a pan of warm water. When doubled, punch down and divide into 3 portions. Divide each portion into 3 pieces. Roll each piece into a long thin roll. Braid 3 pieces together from the middle out. Repeat with other pieces.

Place in a well-oiled 9 x 5 x 3 inch loaf pan. Let rise. Brush with beaten egg and sprinkle with poppy seeds. Bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes or until done. Turn out on wire racks to cool.