Paula Deen's Sausage Gravy

Found this in Paula's Cooking with Paula magazine.

6-8 servings

1 lb ground sausage
4 slices bacon, thick cut, chopped
1/2 cup onions, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups half-and-half
2 teaspoons ground black pepper
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons butter

In a large skillet, combine sausage, bacon, onion and garlic. Cook
over medium-high heat for 8-10 minutes or until sausage is browned
and crumbly.
Stir in flour and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently.
Gradually stir in half and half. Add pepper and salt and cook for 3-
4 minutes, or until gravy is thickened.
Remove from heat and stir in butter until melted