Makes about 8

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups raisins
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 teaspoon double-acting baking powder
5 tablespoons sugar
1/2 cup butter
1 cup buttermilk

Preheat oven to 400F. If raisins are dry, pour boiling water over them & let stand for 5 minutes; drain. In a large bowl, sift flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt & sugar. Cut in butter until mixture looks like coarse crumbs. Add buttermilk and mix well. Stir in raisins, mix well. Knead a few times on a floured board, shape into a ball. Place on a greased pie plate & cut a shallow cross in the top. Bake for 15 minutes at 400F, then reduce heat to 375F & bake for 40 more minutes. Remove from pie plate; cool. Slice after the bread is cooled. Cut into wedges or slices & serve with butter or jam.