INGREDIENTS:
1 package (2-1/4 teaspoons) yeast
1-1/4 cups 110-degree water
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup olive oil
2 lightly beaten eggs
5-5-1/2 cups flour
1 beaten egg yolk
1 tablespoon water
1 tablespoon sesame seeds.
PREPARATION:
Dissolve yeast in 1-1/4 cups water.
Stir in salt, sugar, olive oil, and 2 lightly beaten eggs
slowly stir in flour.
Knead 5-20 minutes.
Glaze dough ball with Crisco and rise covered in greased bowl until doubled (about 1-1/2 hours).
Punch down dough and knead.
Make a 3-strand braid with 3/4 cup of dough, and make a 4-strand braid with the remaining dough
Place the 3-strand braid on top of the 4-strand braid.
Rise on baking sheet until doubled (about 1 hour). Combine egg yolk with 1 tablespoon water and brush all over loaf.
Sprinkle on sesame seeds. Bake 30-35 minutes at 350-degrees Ferenheit, or until golden brown.
