Directions

• Step 1
  Combine water, ¼ cup honey and yeast in a large bowl; stir well with a whisk. Let stand for 3 minutes. Separate 1 of the eggs; add the yolk to the yeast mixture and reserve the white. Whisk in the remaining eggs, oil and salt.
• Step 2
  Add 3¾ cups flour to yeast mixture; stir until a soft dough is formed.
• Step 3
  Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead until smooth and elastic (about 7 minutes); add enough of remaining flour, 1 tablespoon at a time, to prevent dough from sticking to hands (dough will be soft).
• Step 4
  Transfer dough to a large bowl coated with cooking spray, turn to coat top. Cover and let rise in a warm place 1½ hours or until almost doubled in size.
• Step 5
  Punch dough down; cover and let rest 15 minutes.
• Step 6
  Divide dough into 3 equal portions. On a lightly floured surface, roll each portion into a 30” rope. Pinch ropes together at one end. Braid ropes; pinch ends together. Tie a knot in the braid and tuck ends under. Place the loaf in a 9” glass pie plate lightly coated with cooking spray. Lightly spray the top of the loaf with cooking spray. Cover and let rise 40 minutes or until almost doubled in size.
• Step 7
  Preheat oven to 350°F.
• Step 8
  Whisk together the reserved egg white and remaining teaspoon honey. Gently brush over loaf. Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes. Loosely cover with foil and bake an additional 10 minutes or until loaf sounds hollow when tapped. Let cool 5 minutes; remove from pan and cool on a wire rack.