COOK sausage in a large skillet over medium-high heat, STIRRING until it crumbles and is no longer pink.
DRAIN well and set aside.
CUT shortening into flour with a pastry blender until crumbly.
ADD buttermilk, STIRRING until dry ingredients are moistened.
TURN dough onto a lightly floured surface; KNEAD 3 to 4 times.
PAT or ROLL dough to 1/4 inch thickness.
SPRINKLE sausage over dough; CUT with a 2 1/2 inch biscuit cutter.
PLACE on lightly greased baking sheets.
BAKE at 450 F for 8-10 minutes.
Use Smithfield brand ham sausage.
Per Serving (excluding unknown items): 259 Calories; 12g Fat (42.1% calories from fat); 5g Protein; 32g Carbohydrate; 1g Dietary Fiber; 1mg Cholesterol; 610mg Sodium. Exchanges: 2 Grain(Starch); 0 Non-Fat Milk; 2 1/2 Fat.