How do all you non-Americans view this thread on such a humble breakfast dish? I know that even as an American I am still surprised at the passion this subject raises in people. I've eaten this all over America, some was sublime (little restaurant in Yoder Kansas, $1.45 - 6 whole biscuits + another soup bowl of extra sausage gravy), some was downright bad. Everyone has an opinion, a secret recipe, and a story about how it means family to them. No one yet has been neutral.
It's only flour, sausage drippings, a little leavening, and milk or cream with a bit of simple spices. But it crosses socio-economic boundaries faster than the common cold! It's something transcendant, almost overwhelming in that no matter how well I may have just been fed, I can always find the room for just one biscuit and summa dat gravy wif it, pass the black pepper please.
And that is the hats-off-at-the-door-and-boots-wiped-clean, Bible-sworn word of a Yankee, Miss Ellen.