Heat Oven to 375.
In a large bowl add flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
Cut in the room temperature butter.
Add raisins and the raisin juice.
In a separate bowl, combine the egg and buttermilk. Add baking soda to liquid. Quickly stir into dry ingredients.
Dough will be very sticky. Put into a well greased loaf pan and cut a cross into the top about 1/2 inch deep.
Bake for 50 - 60 minutes for large loaf or 40 - 45 minutes for 2 small loaves.
Cover raisins in saucepan with water and bring to a boil quickly, then simmer for 5 minutes. Save 4 tablespoons of the raisin juice. Drain the raisins. *
If using milk instead of buttermilk, put 2 tablespoons of vinegar in milk and let stand undisturbed for 5 min. Then add egg & baking soda. Stir lightly & quickly add to the batter. **
Enjoy!
