Preheat oven to 425°. Divide shortening among wells of a 12-cup muffin pan, and place in oven to preheat.
In a medium bowl, whisk together cornmeal mix and sugar. In a small bowl, whisk together buttermilk and egg. Stir buttermilk mixture into cornmeal mixture just until dry ingredients are moistened. Stir in melted butter. Spoon batter into hot pan, filling wells three-fourths full.
Bake until golden brown, about 12 minutes. Let cool in pan for 5 minutes; serve warm.
Recipe by Paula Deen Magazine at https://pauladeenmagazine.com/buttermilk-corn-muffins-recipe/