JOHNNY CAKES WITH HOT MAPLE SYRUP

Directions

1. Step 1

   Preheat oven to 400° F.

2. Step 2

   Combine syrup, jalapeno, ancho and water in a small pot. Allow mixture to come to a simmer on low heat and reduce until it returns to the syrup's original thickness. Strain out the peppers.

3. Step 3

   Combine buttermilk and cornmeal in a small bowl and mix together. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt and baking soda.

4. Step 4

   Cook Gardein® Saus'ge according to package directions and slice into quarters

5. Step 5

   Wearing gloves, work the shortening into the flour mixture with your hands until it appears crumbly.

6. Step 6

   Whisk egg and coffee extract into buttermilk mixture. Once fully combined, add the flour mixture into the buttermilk mixture and stir until just combined into a thick batter.

7. Step 7

   Grease a 6-inch cast iron pan. Place the saus'ge in an even layer on the bottom of the cast iron pan. Pour the batter over the saus'ge.

8. Step 8

   Smooth out the top of the batter and bake at 400°F for 20 to 25 minutes.

9. Step 9

   Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Remove and portion with a serrated knife; serve with butter and hot maple syrup.