4 c. flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
1 c. buttermilk
1/2 c. raisins (optional)
Caraway seeds to garnish (optional)

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Grease baking sheet with butter. Sift together the flour, soda and salt. Gradually add buttermilk and beat until the dough is firm enough to form a ball. If it is too crumbly, add up to 1/2 cup more buttermilk.

On a lightly floured surface, shape dough into a round loaf about 1 1/2 inches thick and place it on greased baking sheet. Mark an "X" into dough, dividing the top into quarters and sprinkle with caraway seeds. Bake 45 minutes until golden brown and serve at once.

VARIATION:

3 c. flour
1/3 c. sugar
1 tbsp. baking powder
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
2 c. buttermilk
1/4 c. melted butter

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Combine dry ingredients. Add butter to milk, stir into flour mixture. Pour into greased loaf pan (9x4x2 1/2 inches) and bake 65-75 minutes. Do not under cook. Remove, cool, and wrap up in foil. Wait 8 hours, then slice and serve.