How is it possible for something this simple to taste this good? If you've never baked homemade bread, here's where you start!

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup plus 2/3 cup lukewarm water (100°F to 110°F)
• 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 tablespoons or 2 envelopes active dry yeast
• 5 large eggs
• 3/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 7-8 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 large or 2 small egg yolks mixed with 1 tablespoon milk

Directions:

1. In a measuring cup, combine 1/2-cup warm water and 2 tablespoons sugar. Stir until sugar is dissolved. Sprinkle yeast over the sugar water and let sit about 15 minutes, until bubbly and fragrant.
   
   
2. In the work bowl of a heavy-duty mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, whisk together the 5 eggs. Add vegetable oil, salt and 1/2 cup sugar; beat 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened. Beat in the remaining 2/3-cup warm water followed by the yeast-sugar mixture.
   
   
3. Fit mixer with dough hook and run on medium speed, adding the flour 1-cup at a time. Be sure to work in the flour well after each addition. Continue kneading the dough until smooth and elastic, about 5 minutes. Turn out onto a clean, lightly floured surface, and knead by hand a few minutes. Add just enough flour to keep the dough from sticking.
   
   
4. Transfer the dough to an oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap and place in a warm, draft-free area. Let rise until doubled in size (45 minutes to an hour).
   
   
5. Punch down dough. Re-cover and allow the dough to rise again (20-30 minutes). Grease two baking sheets.
   
   
6. Divide the dough into 2 pieces. Equally divide each piece into 3 balls. Using both hands, roll each piece back and forth into 9-inch-long ropes, tapering the ends. Braid together 3 of the ropes into a double crossed loaf, pinching the ends together and tucking under to seal; repeat with remaining ropes.
   
   
7. Arrange the loaves on the baking sheets, cover with a clean towel and allow to rise at least 20 minutes. Preheat oven to 375°F.
   
   
8. Brush loaves well with the egg and milk mixture. Bake the bread in the oven until golden, about 30-40 minutes.