Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat oven to 425°F. Line baking sheet with parchment.

   • 💡Hot oven creates good crust
   • 💡Cast iron works great too
2. 2

   Traditional: Mix dry ingredients. American: Cut butter into flour first.

   • 💡Traditional: Just 4 ingredients!
   • 💡American: Like making scones
3. 3

   Make well in center. Add buttermilk (and egg for American).

   • 💡Work quickly once liquid added
   • 💡Baking soda activates immediately
4. 4

   Mix just until dough comes together. Do not overmix!

   • 💡Shaggy is perfect
   • 💡Overmixing = tough bread
5. 5

   American: fold in raisins and caraway if using.

   • 💡Dust raisins with flour first
   • 💡Prevents sinking
6. 6

   Turn onto floured surface. Shape into round, place on pan.

   • 💡Handle minimally
   • 💡Should be rough looking
7. 7

   Cut deep cross on top with sharp knife.

   • 💡Helps heat penetrate
   • 💡Lets fairies out, tradition says!
8. 8

   Bake 15 min at 425°F, reduce to 400°F, bake 30 more minutes.

   • 💡Sounds hollow when tapped
   • 💡Bottom should be crusty
9. 9

   Cool on wire rack. Best served warm with butter.

   • 💡Wrap in tea towel to soften crust
   • 💡Day-old is great toasted