2 c. hot water
3 tbsp. oil
1 1/2 tbsp. sugar
2 pkg. yeast
7 to 8 c. flour
1 1/2 tsp. salt
3 eggs
1 egg yolk (with 1 tbsp. water)

Combine water, oil, sugar. Add yeast and dissolve (let work). Sift flour and salt. Put half in bowl. Add yeast mixture. Slowly add more flour mixture until dough leaves the sides of bowl. Cover, let rise 30 minutes.

Add eggs and knead 10 minutes. Put in greased bowl, turn to coat, let rise until double. Knead 5 minutes. Divide into 3 sections and roll into strips. Braid on a greased cookie sheet. Cover and let rise until double.

Brush with egg-water mixture. Bake at 375 degrees until brown and crusty. Makes one very large loaf. (Make sure your cookie sheet is large enough as the bread get huge when baking.)