Preheat the oven to 190C/380F
Grease three loaf tins of base measurement
20cmx10cm / 8x 4 approx or any combination of deep
baking dish that adds up to about the same.
In a large mixing bowl sift together the flour,
baking powder, bicarbonate of soda, cream of
tartar and salt. Cut the butter into small cubes
and rub into the flour. Add the raisins if you are
using them.
In another bowl mix together the buttermilk,
sugar, eggs and oil and beat until well combined.
Stir liquid into dry ingredients and mix then
knead to a firm dough.
Form the dough into balls about the size of a
ping-pong ball and pack them tightly in one layer
into the loaf tins. Bake for 45 minutes.
Turn out onto a rack and leave to cool for 30
minutes before breaking up into individual rusks
along the joins of the balls. Dry in a low oven
100C/200F for 4-5 hours
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