- 2 (.25 ounce) packages active dry yeast
- 2/3 cup warm water (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)
- 6 egg yolks
- 3 eggs, room temperature
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup white sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 egg
- 1 pinch salt
- In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in water. Stir in the yolks, 3 eggs, oil, sugar, and salt. Add about 3-1/2 cups of flour to make a sticky dough.
- Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead with remaining flour until smooth and elastic, about 7 minutes. Place in a well oiled bowl, and turn to oil the entire surface of the dough. Cover with a damp cloth. Place in a warm place until double in size, about 1-1/2 hours.
- Punch down the dough, and divide into 3 pieces. Roll each piece into a rope about 12 inches long. Braid the three strands together, and seal the ends. Place the bread on a greased cookie sheet. Beat the remaining 1 egg with a pinch of salt; brush onto bread. Let the bread rise until doubled, about 45 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Brush the bread with eggwash again.
- Bake for 40 minutes, or until golden. Cool on a wire rack.