1/4 cup warm water 1/2 tsp sugar 1 T. dry yeast 4 eggs 1 c butter or margarine, melted 2 cups lukewarm water 4 T sugar 1 tsp salt 9 to 10 cups flour

Mix the first three ingredients and let stand for approximately 10 minutes. In a large bowl combine the next five ingredients. and mix together. Add yeast mixture and the flour. Dough will be somewhat sticky. Knead until smooth and elastic (for about 8 to 10 minutes). Place in greased bowl. Cover and let rise in warm place until double (about 1 1/2 hours). Punch down. Braid into 3 or 4 loaves. Cover and let rise 40 to 50 minutes until doubled. Brush with beaten egg and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Bake at 375 for 24-30 minutes.