1 lb. fresh okra
1 c. cracker meal
1/2 tsp. pepper
1 c. buttermilk
1 c. all-purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp. salt, divided
1 egg
Vegetable oil

Wash okra, drain. Cut off tips and stem ends; cut okra crosswise into 1/2-inch slices. Combine flour, cracker meal, 1 teaspoon salt and pepper in a shallow dish. Combine egg, buttermilk and remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt in a dish, mixing well. Add about 1/3 of okra to egg mixture: then remove okra with a slotted spoon and place in flour mixture, stirring gently to coat okra.

Pour oil to depth of 2-inches into a Dutch oven; heat to 375 degrees. Fry okra until golden brown. Drain well on paper towels. Continue process with remaining okra. Serve hot. Yield: 4 servings.