Sausage Johnnycake

Directions

• In a small bowl, combine cornmeal and buttermilk; let stand for 10 minutes.
• Meanwhile, in a 9-in. cast-iron skillet over medium heat, cook sausage until no longer pink; drain on paper towels. Arrange 8 links in a spokelike pattern in same skillet or in a greased 9-in. deep-dish pie plate. Cut remaining links in half; place between whole sausages.
• In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Cut in shortening until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
• Stir egg and vanilla into cornmeal mixture; add to dry ingredients and stir just until blended. Pour batter over sausages.
• Bake at 400° for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Serve warm, with syrup.