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1
Proof the yeast: Place the 1/2 cup warm water, yeast, 1 tbl sugar in a large glass measuring cup or bowl. Set aside until yeast gets bubbly.
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2
In a separate bowl, combine the 2 cups sugar, boiling water, salt, and oil.
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3
Crack eggs into large bowl (or your mixer bowl). Add proofed yeast, mix again. Add the sugar/water mixture. Mix thoroughly.
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4
Add the flour in batches, incorporating well each time.
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5
Knead dough for 10-15 minutes, adding flour as needed until you get that earlobe texture.
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6
Place dough in a large bowl (greased), cover with a damp towel and let rise in a warm place for about 2 hours, punching down in the interim.
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7
Turn out dough onto floured surface. Separate the piece of dough with the blessing if you make it.
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8
Divide dough into 6-7 pieces, and shape into challah according to your favorite style. (You can braid three strands, four strands, six strands -- whatever!).
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9
(At this point you can freeze some of the shaped challot to bake later on.).
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10
Let rise another 30 minutes or so.
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11
Brush each loaf with beaten egg. Sprinkle with seeds.
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12
Bake at 350F for about 30 minutes or until it sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
