Irish Soda Bread

4 C. sifted flour

1 T. sugar

1 1/2 tsp. baking soda

1 tsp. salt

1 tsp. baking powder

1/4 C. butter or margarine

1 C. raisins, if desired

1 1/2 C. buttermilk

Sift together first 5 ingredients in a large bowl. Cut in butter until crumbly (this is where you can use a pastry blender). Stir in raisins if desired, until evenly distributed. Add buttermilk stirring to make a soft dough. Tun onto lightly floured board and knead to form a smooth ball. Knead lightly and just for a short time because this dough shouldn't be treated as roughly as yeast dough.

Pat by hand on greased baking sheet to 1 1/4-inch thickness. With a sharp knife score into four sections. Bake at 350 degrees for 50-60 mins. until bread is browned and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Serve warm with butter. Dance an Irish jig when finished, or try it with yer pint o' Guiness!