4 - 4 1/4 c. all purpose flour (or substitute 1/2 c. whole wheat flour)
1 tsp. salt
3 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. baking soda
1/4 c. sugar (optional)
1/8 tsp. cardamom or coriander (optional)
4 tbsp. butter
1 egg
1 3/4 c. buttermilk

Stir together 4 cups flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, sugar and cardamom until thoroughly blended. Using pastry blender, cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Beat egg lightly and mix with buttermilk; stir into flour mixture until blended. Turn onto a floured board, knead smooth 2 - 3 minutes. Divide dough into 1/2 and shape each into a smooth round loaf. Place into greased pie pan. With sharp knife cut crosses 1/2 inch deep in tops of loaves. Bake at 375 degrees 35 to 40 minutes. Makes 2 loaves.