Fried Okra Patties

It doesn't get much more southern than okra. Originally okra was brought to America by slaves where it weaved itself into Southern culture. The hot and humid conditions of the deep south are ideal for growing this Southern staple and this time of year you can find it everywhere. Now in my opinion there are only 2 ways to eat okra, one is in gumbo and the other is fried. I once worked at a restaurant where they served boiled okra and I'm telling you there are only 2 ways that anyone should ever eat okra, and boiled ain't it.I grabbed this recipe out of a cookbook I got at the library ( you should really go there sometime) called the best of Georgia Farms Cookbook and Tour book. It has recipes from hundreds of different people throughout the state of Georgia. It is a great source for different recipes for seasonal items. I bet your state has one too, you should go to the library and flip through it.

Fried Okra Patties

1 lb fresh or frozen okra, chopped
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 t. salt
1/4 t. pepper
1 egg
1/2 water
1/2 cup AP flour
1 t. baking powder
1/2 cup cornmeal
1 t. garlic powder
oil for cooking

Combine okra, onion, salt, pepper, egg and water; mix well. In separate bowl, combine flour, cornmeal, baking powder, and garlic powder. Add to okra mix and combine well. Drop spoonfuls of batter into about 1/2 inch of hot oil ( you could probably deep fry these too). Fry over medium heat until well browned on both sides. Drain on paper towels. Sprinkle with salt when they come out of the oil for extra seasoning.