Arkansas - The Land of Opportunity, State flower: The Apple Blossom

1. Yellow Squash Soup
2. Mixed Vegetable Salad
3. Chicken Hash on Pecan Waffles
4. Fried Okra
5. Spider Corn Bread
6. Lemon Tarts

Fried Okra

Okra is native to Central Africa and was brought to the South in the early 1800s. It thrived in the southern climate and soil and is now a dietary staple throughout the region.

Fresh okra pods
Salt and pepper to taste
Cornmeal
Flour
Vegetable oil or shortening

Wash okra, remove from water. Do not pat dry. Trim off stem ends and cut in ½ inch pieces.
Season the okra with salt and pepper.

Mix 2 parts cornmeal with 1 part flour, roll okra in this mixture. Add enough oil or melted shortening in large fry pan to reach ½" depth, add okra to make a single layer, covering bottom of pan. Fry over medium heat turning carefully until lightly brown. Do not over fry! Remove okra to paper towel to drain. Serve hot.

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