1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. Sift the dry ingredients into a large bowl. With your hands, fold dry ingredients together.

2. Add just enough buttermilk to form a soft dough. Working quickly, knead the dough. Too much needing will toughen the dough and too little will not allow for proper rising.

3. Using your fist as a size guide, form a round loaf and place on lightly floured baking sheet. Flour a large kitchen knife and cut an ‘X’ into the top of the loaf. Place immediately into preheated oven on an upper rack and bake for 30-45 minutes. To test for doneness, tap on the bottom of the bread with your knuckles and listen for a hollow sound.

4. Immediately wrap in clean towel to cool, so the crust will not continue to harden.