3 tablespoons stick margarine or butter,* softened
2 1/2 cups Gold Medal all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup raisins, if desired
3/4 cup buttermilk


Heat oven to 375 F. Grease cookie sheet.

Cut margarine into flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder and salt in large bowl, using pastry blender or crisscrossing 2 knives, until mixture resembles fine crumbs. Stir in raisins and just enough buttermilk so dough leaves side of bowl.

Turn dough onto lightly floured surface. Knead 1 to 2 minutes or until smooth. Shape into round loaf, about 6 1/2 inches in diameter. Place on cookie sheet. Cut an X shape about 1/2 inch deep through loaf with floured knife.

Bake 35 to 45 minutes or until golden brown. Brush with margarine or butter, softened, if desired.

*Spreads with at least 65% vegetable oil can be substituted.

Makes 1 loaf, 14 slices

This recipe used with permission from General Mills, Inc.