Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

Sift together flour, corn meal, baking powder, sugar, and salt in a large bowl.

In a separate bowl, combine egg, milk, and melted shortening.

Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients.

Stir until just combined; do not overmix. The batter should be slightly lumpy.

Spoon batter into greased muffin tins, filling each cup about 2/3 full.

Bake for 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Let cool in the muffin tin for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.