(ONE LOAF)
4 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
6 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup caraway seeds
2 cups raisins
1 1/2 cups buttermilk
Preheat the oven to 350°F In a large bowl combine the flour, sugar, salt, baking soda, baking powder, and cream of tartar. Cut in the butter with two knives or a pastry blender until the mixture resembles coarse meal. Mix in the caraway seeds and raisins. Add the buttermilk, stirring until blended. Knead the dough briefly on a floured work surface. Shape it into a round loaf and place it on a floured baking sheet, and cut a deep cross into the loaf with a bread knife. Bake for 45 minutes.
Cheese Soda Bread. Omit the sugar, raisins, and caraway seeds and add 2 cups of grated sharp Cheddar cheese.