Okra Fingers

20 - Small fresh okra pods
1 cup buttermilk
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
(use self-rising flour and skip the b. powder and salt)
1/4 cup cornmeal
pepper to taste
(salt to taste if using self-rising)
vegetable Oil

Wash: okra and trim stems.
Drain well and place in a shallow container.
Pour buttermilk over okra and set aside.

Combine flour and next 4 ingredients and stir well .
Remove each orka pod from buttermilk and roll in cornmeal mixture .

Pour oil to depth of 1 inch a deep skillet .
Fry okra in hot oil ( 375º ) for 3 to 5 minutes or until browned .
Drain on paper towels

4 Servings