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1
Dissolve sugar in 1 cup warm water in a large bowl that has been rinsed with hot water.
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2
Sprinkle yeast on top and let stand 10 minutes.
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3
Stir to dissolve yeast.
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4
Add oil, remaining water, honey, salt, eggs, and four cups of flour.
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5
Beat well.
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6
Add remaining flour.
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7
Dough will be sticky.
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8
Cover with a damp dish towel and let stand for 10 minutes.
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9
Knead dough on a well floured surface for 10 minutes, adding flour as necessary (usually quite a bit).
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10
Round dough and place in a greased bowl.
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11
Cover and let rise until double in bulk.
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12
Punch down vigorously.
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13
Cover again and let rise until double in bulk.
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14
Punch down again.
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15
Divide dough into equal parts for each loaf (2 large, 3 medium, or 4 smaller loaves).
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16
Divide each part into three equal parts.
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17
Starting in the middle and working to the ends, loosely braid the dough on a lightly greased cookie sheet.
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18
Flatten ends and tuck them under.
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19
Cover with a damp cloth and let rise until double in bulk.
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20
Brush with egg yolks and sprinkle with poppy seeds.
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21
Bake in a preheated 400F oven for 30 minutes or until golden brown and sounding hollow when tapped.
