Easy Challah

1. Combine yeast, water and sugar in a large mixer bowl. Set aside for 5 to 10 minutes to allow yeast to foam. Add 1 cup flour, butter and salt and mix at medium speed for 2 minutes using paddle attachment on electric mixer until well blended. Add two eggs and enough remaining flour to make a soft dough. Switch to dough hook and knead on high speed 4 to 6 minutes until dough is smooth and elastic.
2. Place in large bowl sprayed with nonstick cooking spray. Spray dough with nonstick cooking spray and cover. Let rise in a warm place until doubled in size; about 30 to 45 minutes.
3. Punch dough down. Remove dough to lightly floured surface; pat dough and shape into an approximate 10 x 6-inch rectangle. Divide into 3 equal strips by making two cuts with a sharp knife or pizza cutter vertically starting 1½ inches from the top; keeping one end of dough intact. Braid strips and place into a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan sprayed with nonstick cooking spray. Cover; let rise in warm place until doubled in size, about 30 to 45 minutes.
4. Beat egg yolk with 1 teaspoon water; brush over loaves. Sprinkle with poppy seed, if desired. Bake at 375°F for 25 to 30 minutes or until done. Let cool on wire rack 5 minutes before removing from loaf pan.

Bread Machine Option:

1. Use this order to add ingredients to bread machine bin: First, place sugar and salt. Second, add butter, eggs water. Third, add flour and yeast. Select dough cycle. When complete, follow the shaping and baking instructions from above.