Rache's special "almost brioche" challah

Combine first four ingredients in a large bowl, stir until yeast dissolves. Set aside and make sure the yeast is alive. Mix in oil, eggs, and four egg yolks. Gradually add enough flour to form a soft dough. Knead until smooth and elastic, adding more flour as necessary, about 8 minutes.

Grease a large bowl, place dough in bowl, turning to coat completely. Cover and let rest in warm, draft free area about 30 minutes.

Sprinkle 2 heavy cookie sheets with cornmeal.

Punch down dough. If adding raisins, add them now. Knead dough one minute. Divide in half. Divide each half into three balls. Roll each ball between hands into 9 inch long rope. Take three ropes, pinch ends together, and braid into a single loaf. Transfer loaf to cookie sheet. Repeat for second loaf.

Whisk remaining egg yolk, 2 Tbsp sugar, and 1 tsp water in bowl to make glaze. Brush each loaf generously with glaze. If adding sesame seeds instead of raisins, sprinkle them over loaves. Let stand in warm area until loaves have increased only slightly in volume--about 20-30 minutes.

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Bake loaves 15 minutes. Reduce oven to 350 degrees and continue baking until the loaves are golden brown, about 20 minutes.