Braided Bread

5 c flour

2 pkg yeast
1 c milk
1 stick butter
1/2 c sugar
1 t salt
2 eggs
1/3 c water

Combine 3 c flour & dry yeast.  Heat milk, butter, sugar & salt til warm.  About 2 minutes in microwave.  Add to dry ingredients.  Add eggs & water.  Beat 3 minutes.  Stir in remaining flour.  Knead.  Raise.  Braid.  Raise.  Bake at 350 for 30 minutes.  For a pretty look, take just an egg white and brush the top of your uncooked bread then sprinkle poppy seeds right away so they stick with the egg whites.  THEN bake it until golden.

This makes either 2 large loaves or 4 mini loaves.