Ingredients:

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
3 tbls. butter, softened
2 tbls. sugar
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
3/4 cup buttermilk
1/3 cup raisins (optional)

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375. Cut butter into flour. Add sugar, baking soda, baking powder and salt and blend with pastry blender until mixture resembles fine crumbs. (If using raisins, add here.) Add just enough buttermilk so dough leaves sides of bowls and just comes together. Turn out on lightly floured surface and knead for 1 to 2 minutes. Shape into round loaf about 6 1/2 inches in diameter. Place on greased cookie sheet and cut "X" in center of loaf about 1/2 inch deep using a floured knife. Brush with beaten egg using pastry brush. Bake for 35 to 45 minutes or until golden brown. Serve with butter or jam.

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