Sausage Johnnycake Recipe

In a small bowl, combine cornmeal and buttermilk; let stand for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, in a large skillet over medium heat, cook sausage until no longer pink; drain on paper towels. Arrange eight links in a spoke-like pattern in a greased 9-in. deep-dish pie plate. Cut remaining links in half; place between whole sausages. In a large bowl, combine the 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 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Serve warm with syrup.