Directions for a Bread Machine:

1. Add all ingredients to the machine in the order listed in the ingredients list. Select the dough setting on your bread machine. When the dough cycle is complete, refer to step 4 (Shaping the Dough) below.

Directions for Making Dough by Hand:

1. In a small bowl, mix together the warm water, sugar and yeast and allow to sit 10-15 minutes, or until the mixture begins to foam (if it doesn’t foam, the yeast may be expired. Throw out the mixture and start again).

2. In a large bowl, stir together flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and oil and stir until a shaggy dough forms. Pour out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 7-10 minutes, or until the dough becomes smooth and elastic and passes the window pane test.

3. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl and cover with a kitchen towel or lightly oiled plastic wrap. Let rise 1-2 hours or until doubled in volume.

Shaping the Dough:

4. Divide the dough into 10 equal portions, about 90 grams each. Roll each into a rectangle about 4″ x 6″. Roll up starting from the long side into a log 6″ long. Place each long roll into a slot in the hot dog pan. If you don’t have a specialty pan: Starting from the end closest to you, roll the dough into a log, and place in prepared loaf pan about 1/2” to 3/4” inches apart (or directly next to each other for a “pull-apart” effect. Repeat with remaining dough balls. Cover loosely with a kitchen towel or lightly oiled plastic wrap and let rise 45 minutes, or until doubled in size.

5. Preheat oven to 350°F. Brush tops with egg wash and sprinkle with poppy seeds, if desired. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown.