2 c. all purpose flour
3/4 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tbsp. sugar
6 tbsp. shortening
3/4 c. raisins
2/3 c. buttermilk

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Sift together into a large bowl 2 cups all purpose flour, 3/4 teaspoon baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1 tablespoon sugar.

2. Cut 6 tablespoons shortening into the flour mixture with a knife and fork. Cut the flour and shortening as you would a piece of meat until the pieces are the size of small peas.

3. Stir in 3/4 cup raisins and gradually add 2/3 cup buttermilk. Stir again until blended.

4. Sprinkle about 1/2 cup of the flour on a board or kitchen counter. Dust your hands with flour and turn out the dough onto the floured surface.

5. To knead, fold the dough toward you with your fingers and then push it away with the heel of your hand. Keep your hands and dough lightly coated with flour as you knead. Knead the dough for about 5 minutes.

6. Gently shape the dough to fit the greased pan. Cut a bold cross, about 1/2" deep in the middle, across the top of the loaf with a sharp knife. Make the cross touch the sides of the pan, so the bread will not crack in baking.

7. Gently brush buttermilk over the top of the dough with your fingers. Bake for about 50 minutes. The bread is done when a toothpick pushed into the center of the bread comes out clean.

This simple recipe makes delicious skillet bread on an open fire or your kitchen stove. Lightly rub a heavy skillet with shortening. Put the bread dough in the greased pan, cut a cross and cover with a lid. Cook over a low heat for about 30 minutes. Be careful not to burn the bottom of the bread.