1 1/4 lb. okra
1 1/2 c. yellow cornmeal
1/2 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. pepper
1/2 c. low-fat buttermilk
1 large egg, lightly beaten
cooking spray

Preheat oven to 450°F. Trim off stem ends of okra and cut into 1/2-inch slices. Combine yellow cornmeal, salt and pepper in a medium bowl; stir mixture well and set aside.

Combine buttermilk and egg in a large bowl; add okra, stirring to coat. Let stand 10 minutes. Drain and dredge okra in cornmeal mixture. Place okra on a baking sheet coated with cooking spray.

Bake at 450°F for 40 minutes or until crisp, stirring occasionally.

Yield: 12 servings (serving size: 1/2 cup).