I have a neighbor who I've been friendly with, in a neighborly way for 1 1/2 years now. He's an ex-marine, Black, and hails from Arkansas. He has been telling me for weeks now that we need to get together for coffee some morning, and like the men that we are...we have kept kicking the can down the road.
Finally I walked over to his house and told him we need to stop talking about it, and just do it. I Promised him a pot of black, strong coffee, and then went out on a limb.
"Do you appreciate a good, unhealthy breakfast as much as I do?", I asked. He said yes, and I obligated myself to making buttermilk/baking powder biscuits, along with country sausage gravy.
I have never, ever, made sausage gravy. I've got the biscuits under control. I make some mean biscuits. But I've never made sausage gravy. I've had this breakfast numerous times growing up, and I have to admit that there's nothing quite like perfect biscuits and savory sausage gravy.
I've just never tried it at home.
I need some Southern Kossacks to come to my rescue. Any insights upon the perfect sausage gravy would be greatly appreciated.
I want to knock my neighbor's socks off. And watch him lick the skillet.
Will a pound of Jimmy Dean sausage render enough fat to make a good gravy? Or do I need to fry some bacon as well? Canned milk vs real milk? Really...I'm looking for some family secrets here.
Please share yours.
Quickly.