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Okra is such a tasty, versatile vegetable that it's a shame my non-Southern friends aren't as familiar with it. Looking to expand your food horizons? Try some okra one of these four ways and you're sure to become an okra fan…

1 Buy it pickled, in a jar. This one's easy -- no cooking involved! You will be pleasantly surprised by its piquant flavor and crunch.

2 Make your own fried okra. Here we say, "That's slap-your-mama-twice good, " but of course we mean no disrespect to our mothers.

fried okra
1 lb. okra
1 egg, beaten
2 Tbsp. water
1 cup cornmeal
2 Tbsp. flour
salt and pepper to taste
1 cup oil for frying

Wash okra, trim off tops and cut into 1/2 inch slices. Mix the egg with 2 tablespoons water in a bowl and toss with okra. In a separate dish, combine cornmeal, flour, salt, and pepper. Take the okra out of the egg mixture and coat with the cornmeal mixture. In a large skillet (cast iron is best), heat the oil to medium-high heat. Add half of the okra and fry until golden brown. Take it out of the pan and drain on a plate covered with paper towels. Salt again to taste. Repeat with the rest of the okra. Serve hot.

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