4 c. flour
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. sugar
1/4 c. shortening
1 tbsp. caraway seeds, optional
1 2/3 c. buttermilk

Preheat oven to 450 degrees. In a large bowl stir together well flour, salt, baking soda, sugar. Rub shortening into flour mixture with your fingers. Stir caraway seeds into flour mixture.

Make a hollow in the center of the flour mixture and pour in the buttermilk. Stir lightly with a fork until the dough comes together. Turn out onto a lightly floured surface and knead until the dough is smooth.

Shape into a ball and place smooth side up, in the well greased bottom of a Dutch oven. Cut a cross in the top of the loaf. Cover Dutch oven and place in preheated oven. Bake for 5 minutes at 450 degrees. Reduce heat to 350 degrees and bake 45-50 minutes longer, or until golden brown.