5 cups unbleached flour
2 packs fast rise yeast (or 2 Tbsp)
2/3 cup sugar (brown, raw or honey powder)
1 tsp. salt
3/4 cup oil (olive or vegetable or a mix
1 1/4  cup water
3 eggs slightly beaten (remove enough for egg wash)

1. mix 2 cups flour, yeast, sugar and salt in large bowl. (use less flour if using honey powder)
2. heat water until 120-130 degrees
3. add water and oil to dry mixture
4. beat with mixer on low 1 min scraping bowl frequently
5. beat 1 min on medium, scraping bowl
6. beat in eggs until smooth
7. stir in remaining flour to make dough easy to handle.
8. turn onto floured surface, knead 5 min or until smooth and elastic
9. turn into greased bowl and turn to coat
10. cover w/ wet, hot cloth let rise in warm place 1 1/2- 2 hours
11. ready when indentation remains when touched
12. punch down dough.
13. divide dough in half., then separate each half into 6 equal strands -
  braid and place on lightly greased cookie sheet
14. cover & let rise until double     (40 - 50 min)
15. brush with egg wash, sprinkle coarse salt, sesame or poppy seed