Preparation
Step 1
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Step 2
In a large bowl, mix the dry ingredients: flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and baking soda.
Step 3
Cut the butter into small pieces. Add the butter to the dry ingredients and cut in with a pastry cutter until the mixture looks like pea-sized pieces of flour and butter.
Step 4
Stir in the raisins (reduce amount if you don't care for them).
Step 5
Make a well in the center of the bowl, pour in the buttermilk and beaten egg.
Step 6
Fold in all ingredients with a spatula. Do not use an electric mixer. Mix only until the flour mixture is blended; as little mixing as possible is better.
Step 7
Spray a cast iron 10 3/4" pan with cooking spray (Pam), or use two loaf pans. You can also use round pie pans for a circular loaf.
Step 8
Pour the batter into the prepared pan(s) and bake for 1 hour or until the top is a golden brown.
Step 9
Check the top as it turns golden by testing with a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean, the bread is done.
Chef's Note
When using the cast iron skillet, there is usually enough remaining batter to make a small loaf pan (5 3/4 x 3 x 2 inches). This recipe yields enough for about 5 of these small loaf pans. Don't be afraid to use whatever pans you have.