Step 1

Prepare Biscuits: Preheat oven to 425°F. Combine first 3 ingredients in a large bowl; cut in shortening with a pastry blender until mixture is crumbly. Add buttermilk, stirring just until dry ingredients are moistened.

Step 2

Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface, and knead lightly 4 or 5 times. Roll to 3/4-inch thickness; cut with a 2 1/2-inch round cutter. Place biscuits on a greased baking sheet.

Step 3

Bake at 425ºF for 14 minutes or until golden. Brush tops with melted butter. Keep warm.

Step 4

Prepare Sausage Gravy: Brown sausage in a skillet, stirring until sausage crumbles. Drain, reserving 1 Tbsp. drippings in skillet.

Step 5

Add butter to drippings; cook over low heat until butter melts. Add flour; stir until smooth. Cook 1 minute, stirring constantly. Gradually add milk; cook, stirring constantly, over medium heat 10 minutes or until thickened and bubbly. Stir in sausage, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook, stirring constantly, 1 minute or until thoroughly heated.

Step 6

Split biscuits open; serve with gravy.