Sausage Johnnycake

1 . Stage

Preheat oven to 400°. In a small bowl, combine cornmeal and buttermilk; let stand for 10 minutes.

2 . Stage

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.

3 . Stage

In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Cut in shortening until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

4 . Stage

Stir egg and vanilla into cornmeal mixture; add to dry ingredients and stir just until blended. Pour batter over sausages.

5 . Stage

Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, 30-35 minutes. Serve warm with syrup.