Southern Sausage Gravy

• 8 ounces breakfast sausage
• 2 tablespoons shortening or lard
• 3 tablespoons flour
• 1 1/2 to 1 3/4 cups milk
• salt and pepper, to taste
• dash cayenne pepper, optional
PREPARATION:
Cook sausage in a medium skillet over medium-low heat, stirring and breaking up with a spatula. With a slotted spoon, removed the browned crumbled sausage to a paper towel-lined plate. Add 2 tablespoons shortening, vegetable oil, or lard to the drippings in the skillet.

Add flour, stirring until blended and bubbling. Gradually add 1 1/2 cups milk; continue stirring and cooking until thickened and bubbly. Add the crumbled sausage. If too thick, add a little more milk. Taste and add salt and pepper. Stir in a dash of cayenne pepper, if desired.
Serve over hot split and buttered biscuits. Serve sliced tomatoes or fresh fruit with these, or serve as part of a bigger breakfast.
Serves 4 to 6.