Preparation

• Position a rack in the center of the oven, and heat the oven to 400°F. Put a 10-inch cast-iron pan in the oven.
• Lightly coat a medium skillet with cooking spray. Add the sausage, and cook over medium-high heat, stirring and breaking up the sausage, until brown, 5 to 7 minutes. Drain and discard the fat, and then stir in the maple syrup.
• In a large bowl, whisk the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a medium bowl, whisk the buttermilk, melted butter, and egg.
• Form a well in the center of the dry ingredients, and pour in the wet ingredients. Stir with a silicone spatula until just combined. Stir in the sausage.
• Carefully remove the skillet from the oven, and add the 1 Tbs. butter. Swirl the skillet to coat the pan all over. Pour the batter into the pan, and return the pan to the oven. Bake until lightly browned on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, about 20 minutes.