Grand prize winner for challah in Northern California

Combine 2 C flour, sugar, yeast, salt and water. Beat at medium speed using a paddle for 5 minutes (or by hand!).

Change paddle to dough hook. Add 2 C flour, mayo and 2 of the eggs. Mix for 5 minutes (or do it by hand!!!!) .

Add 3 C flour and knead for 10 minutes. Additional flour may be necessary depending on the humidity.

Place dough in greased bowl, and let rise for about 2 hours until doubled. Punch down. Knead for about 5 minutes to thicken the dough so it won't sag. Place dough in bread pan or shape into breaided challah. Let it rise as desired. Coat bread with egg yolk (with a little water added) and sprinkle with poppy or sesame seeds as desired. Bake at 375 deg F for 25 - 30 minutes until desired degree of brown is achieved.