Southern Biscuits and Gravy

Instructions

1. Prepare the Biscuit Dough
   In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, cut the cold butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Make a well in the center and pour in the buttermilk. Stir just until the dough comes together - be careful not to overmix.
2. Shape and Cut Biscuits
   Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently pat or roll the dough to about 3/4-inch thickness. Using a 2 1/2-inch round biscuit cutter, cut out biscuits by pushing straight down and pulling straight up (don't twist the cutter). Place biscuits on a baking sheet about 1 inch apart. Gather scraps, re-roll once, and cut out more biscuits.
3. Bake the Biscuits
   Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C). Bake biscuits for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown on top. Remove from oven and keep warm while preparing the gravy.
4. Cook the Sausage
   While biscuits are baking, brown the sausage in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a wooden spoon until it's crumbled and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Do not drain the fat from the skillet as it adds flavor to the gravy.
5. Make the Gravy Base
   Reduce heat to medium and sprinkle 1/3 cup flour over the cooked sausage. Stir continuously until the flour is absorbed by the fat and has coated the sausage, about 1-2 minutes. The mixture should look somewhat paste-like.
6. Add Milk and Seasonings
   Gradually pour in the milk while stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Add garlic powder, cayenne pepper (if using), and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently.
7. Thicken the Gravy
   Continue to simmer the gravy, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to your desired consistency, about 5-8 minutes. If the gravy becomes too thick, add a little more milk to thin it out. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
8. Serve
   Split the warm biscuits in half and place them on plates. Ladle the hot sausage gravy generously over the biscuits and serve immediately.