Ingredients

• nonstick cooking spray
• 3 cups self-rising flour, plus additional for dusting
• 1 1/2 cups buttermilk
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces and softened
• 1 lb bulk breakfast sausage
• 4 1/2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 1/4 cups milk
• 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F Lightly coat a baking sheet with cooking spray; set aside.

2. For the biscuits, in a medium bowl, gently stir together the 3 cups flour, the buttermilk, and butter until the dough just comes together. On a floured surface, pat the dough into a 1 1/2-inch-thick round. cut the dough into six 4-inch circles; transfer to the baking sheet. Bake about 25 mintues or until golden brown.

3. For the gravy, in a large skillet, cook the sausage over medium heat until brown, breaking meat up with a fork as it cooks. Using a slotted spoon, transfer sausage to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Pour off all but 2 tablespoons fat from the skillet.

4. Heat the remaining fat over medium heat and whisk in the 4 1/2 tablespoons flour; cook and stir for 2 minutes. Slowly whisk in the milk; increase heat to medium-high and simmer about 3 minutes or until thickened. Stir in the sausage, pepper, and salt. To serve, split the biscuits and top with generous spoonfuls of gravy.