Ingredients

• 2.5 cups warm water , 110 degrees F/45 degrees C
• 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
• 0.5 cups honey
• 4 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 3 large eggs , divided
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 8 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon poppy seeds , Optional

Instructions

1. 1 Gather all ingredients.
2. 2 Pour warm water into a large bowl; sprinkle yeast over water. Let stand until yeast softens and begins to form a creamy foam, about 5 minutes.
3. 3 Beat in honey, oil, 2 eggs, and salt. Add flour, 1 cup at a time, beating after each addition until dough has pulled together.
4. 4 Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic.
5. 5 Place dough in a large, lightly-oiled bowl and turn to coat.
6. 6 Cover with a towel and let rise in a warm place until doubled in volume, about 1 ½ hours.
7. 7 Punch down dough and turn onto a lightly floured surface. Divide in half and knead each half for 5 minutes or so, adding flour as needed to keep it from getting sticky.
8. 8 Divide each half into thirds and roll into a long snake about 1 ½ inches in diameter.
9. 9 Pinch the ends of the three snakes together firmly and braid from middle. Either leave as a braid or form into a round braided loaf by bringing ends together, curving the braid into a circle, and pinching ends together.
10. 10 Grease two baking trays and place the finished braid or round on each. Cover with a towel and let rise for about 1 hour. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
11. 11 Beat the remaining egg and brush a generous amount over each braid; sprinkle with poppy seeds.
12. 12 Bake in preheated oven until golden brown, about 40 minutes. Cool on a wire rack for at least one hour before slicing.
13. 13 Serve and enjoy!

Nutrition per serving