Let's Begin!

• Preheat oven to 400°F, and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.
• In a medium bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and egg until fully combined. Set aside.
• In a large bowl, mix the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt.
• Add the butter and cut them using a pastry cutter or a fork until the butter is pea-sized crumbs. Then stir in the raisins
• Pour in the buttermilk/egg mixture. Gently fold the dough together until the dough it is too stiff to stir. Pour crumbly dough onto a lightly floured work surface.
• With floured hands, work the dough into a ball as best you can, then knead for about 30 seconds or until all the flour is moistened. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour.
• Transfer the dough to the prepared baking sheet. Using a very sharp knife, score a 1/2-inch deep "X" into the top. Bake until the bread is golden brown and the center appears cooked through, about 45-55 minutes.
• Loosely tent the bread with aluminum foil if you notice heavy browning on top. For an accurate test, bread is done when an instant-read thermometer reads 190°F.
• Remove from the oven and allow the bread to cool for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
• Serve warm, and enjoy with family and friends!