Braided Bread

I decided to make home-made chili and braided braid after a long shift of studying last Saturday. The bread seems to have been a hit. I made a total of 4 loaves on Saturday, there were 2 loaves left on Sunday, and only crumbs by Monday morning. There truly is nothing better than fluffy homemade bread. Just the smell of it baking makes my mouth water. Since I believe the best things in life should be shared, I want to share this recipe with you! Happy baking!

Place in Mixer:
1/4 c. warm water over 2 Tbs. dry yeast
Mix in Separate bowl:
2 c. Milk (scalded, or warmed if Skim)
1/2 stick of margarine (butter)
3 Tbs. Sugar
1 Tbs Salt
2 eggs
Pour mixture over yeast and Add:
7-7 1/2 C. Flour
Knead for 10 mins and let Rise for 10 mins (repeat)
Divide dough into 4 equal sections and cut each section into three equal portions. Roll these three portions into long rounded strips and braid the three strips together. Repeat this with the other sections of dough until you have braided 4 loaves of bread. Place them on an oiled cookie sheet and let the bread rise until it about doubles in size (I usually do two loaves to a sheet)
In a small bowl beat:
1 egg and 1 Tbs warm water
Egg wash the loaves of bread (brush the mixture over the top of the loaves)
Bake at 350 degrees for 15-20 mins
(You can sprinkle them with sesame or poppy seeds if desired)