Fresh-From-the-Garden Okra

As we were driving home yesterday we passed the lady-on-the-corner-with-the-magnificent-garden. And her sign said *OKRA*. I made Vince turn in immediately.

Now, if you've never had garden-fresh fried okra, I'm sorry, but you just don't know what you're missing. It's nothing like that over-battered stuff in restaurants. It's amazing!! I usually don't fry food very often, but okra is definitely an exception. It's best fresh so I really never buy it in the freezer section, but instead wait for that farmstand-fresh stuff. There's really no comparison.

Tonight I made some for dinner. Thought I'd share it with you:

1. garden-fresh okra, in all it's glory.
(You definitely want the pods to be small--too big and they get tough).

2. I discard the top and the tip, then slice the rest into a bowl. Always cut up what looks like more than you need because it cooks up a little.

3. Next I toss it with flour, cornmeal (a little less than the flour) and some Cajun seasoning.

4. You just want it lightly coated.

5. Next, just cover the bottom of your skillet with canola oil, then pour in the okra. Fry on medium, stirring often so that it doesn't burn. It'll be nicely browned when it's done.

6. The beautiful end result! So tender and tasty!!
You've gotta try it.