Into a bowl, sift 2 cups sifted flour with 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon baking soda.

In a heavy 12-inch skillet, heat 1 tablespoon each of butter and peanut oil or 2 tablespoons bacon fat. Quickly stir 1 1/2 cups buttermilk into the dry ingredients and spread the dough over the fat in the skillet. Cook the bread, covered, over low heat for 10 to 12 minutes.

Turn the bread, adding about 1 tablespoon more fat to the skillet and cook it for 10 to 12 minutes more. Cut the bread into wedges. Serves 4 to 6.