Some people consider bread to be the most important part of a meal...and this bread just might satisfy such folks!
Evelyn Kenney, Trenton, New York
4 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 tablespoon baking soda
1/4 cup butter or margarine
3 to 4 tablespoons caraway seeds
2 cups raisins
1-1/3 cups buttermilk
1 egg, beaten
Milk
In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, baking powder and baking soda. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse meal. Stir in caraway seeds and raisins. Combine buttermilk and egg; stir into dry ingredients just until moistened. Turn out onto a floured surface and knead lightly until smooth. Shape dough into a ball and place in a greased baking pan. Pat into a 7-in. round loaf. Cut a 4-in. cross about 1/4 in. deep on top to allow for expansion. Brush top with milk. Bake at 375° for 1 hour or until golden brown.