Prepare: Place yeast, warm water in the bowl of a stand mixer.
Let is sit for a few minutes.
Attach dough hook.
Separate two eggs. You only need the yolks.
SECOND:
Add and mix it. Add three eggs, two egg yolks, canola oil, sugar, salt, half of the flour.
Mix it until the dough gets sticky.
THIRD:
Add and knead it. Then add rest of the flour.
Knead it for 7 minutes.
FOURTH:
Knead it more. Put dough onto a lightly floured surface.
Knead it by hand until the dough is smooth.
If it’s sticky add more flour. Shape it to a ball.
Coat the mixer bowl with oil.
Put dough into the oiled bowl and turn the dough a bit to coat it with oil.
Cover bowl with plastic wrap.
Let dough rise in a warm draft free area for 90 minutes or double in size.
FIFTH:
Braid it. Punch down the dough onto a lightly floured surface.
Cut into 3 equal pieces and shape them to ropes.
Braid them and seal the ends tightly.
Place the dough on a parchment paper lined baking sheet.
Cover with plastic wrap and let rise for another 30 minutes.
BAKE IT:
Bake it. Preheat oven to 375°F.
Beat up one egg yolk.
Brush this egg wash on top of the braid.
Sprinkle poppy seeds on top.
Bake it for 35 minutes or until golden brown.
Let cool on rack.
SERVE IT.
Serve it. Serve it for breakfast or along cheese or dip it into soup. Also a great bread to make french toast.
