Bread Machine Challah

1 1/2 cups water
5 large egg yolks
1 1/8 teaspoons salt
1/3 cup oil
4 1/4 cups all-purpose flour or bread flour
1/2 cup sugar (granulated white or brown sugar)
1 T active dry yeast
1 large egg, lightly beaten
sesame seeds or poppy seeds

Place the water, egg yolks, salt oil, flour, sugar and yeast in the bread machine pan, according to the manufacturer's directions.

Process the ingredients in the dough cycle.

Remove immediately when the machine beeps.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Divide the dough in half.

Divide each piece into three sections.

Roll each section into a long strand.

Braid the three strands, pinching the top and bottom ends together.

Place on a parchment-lined or lightly greased baking sheet.

Repeat with the remaining dough, making the second challah.

Let the challot rise, covered, for 30 minutes.

Brush the challot with the beaten egg.

Sprinkle with the sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or a combination of both.

Bake for 30 minutes.

Cool on a wire rack.