7 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup caraway seed
1 tbsp. baking powder
1 tbsp. salt
3 cups buttermilk
2 tsp. baking soda
2 cups raisins (optional)

Preheat oven to 375°F. Butter two (8-inch) round cake pans.

Combine flour, sugar, caraway seed, baking powder and salt in large bowl. Mix buttermilk and baking soda in small bowl. Gradually add buttermilk to flour mixture, stirring with a wooden spoon until blended. Add raisins, if desired. Mix dough with hands to blend well.

Divide dough in half and transfer to pans. Bake at 375°F until top is browned and loaves test done, about 1 hour. Let cool slightly. Turn loaves out onto wire racks and cool completely.

Submitted by: Maureen Walsh