Fried Okra with Parmesan

Fried Okra with Parmesan Cheese

1 bag of breaded Okra (we always use "Stillwell" brand, but whatever you prefer!)

(OR bread your own fresh sliced okra with some corn flour seasoned with salt. Simply toss the sliced fresh okra with the seasoned flour. You may use egg beaten with milk to dip the okra in before breading, if you like a heavy batter.)

Oil for deep frying

Grated Parmesan Cheese (I use it from the shaker can, feel free to use fresh!)

Soul seasoning (a blend of spicy seasoned salt... see my Essential Pantry List)

Heat the oil. When hot, deep fry the okra. When it is golden brown, remove from oil. Drain on paper towels. Sprinkle immediatly with grated parmesan cheese and soul seasoning.

We had been eating some fried ravioli sprinkled with parmesan cheese, when I decided to fry up the okra while the oil was hot. The parmesan was on the paper towels, and some got on the okra. It was sooo tasty, we added more parmesan, and our new dish was born!

Brats with Sauteed Peppers and Onions

Not long ago, our old grill gave up the ghost... having lived a long and happy life of about four and a half years. Today we got a new one!

We broke it in with grilled brats.

Beer brats are our favorite. Cheese brats are also good.

Grill them until they are nice and browned!

Meanwhile, in a small amount of olive oil, sautee a slivered sweet onion and some bell pepper strips. I prefer red, yellow, and orange bell peppers, but at $2 each, that isn't happening! Green peppers are fine!

Serve on hot dog buns or regular bread. Garnish with mustard, dill relish, sauerkraut... any topping you like!

Salmon Patties

I haven't forgotten I have a food blog here. We just tend to eat so much of the same-old same old stuff, I seldom have anything new to post. I haven't made Salmon Patties in awhile... and after reviewing we had had chicken/ pizza /bby beef/ chicken /beef tips/ chicken/ pizza/ chicken .... I was looking for something else!

Mr C had been on a diet for awhile, and one of the staples was the small pouches of albacore tuna, or salmon. He went off the diet, and I had quite a few packets of salmon in the cupboard. These patties are so fast and easy to fix, I recommend getting your side dishes ready before you even START these.

Salmon Patties

4 (2.6 oz) packets of salmon

15 crushed Ritz Roasted Vegetable Crackers

2 eggs, beaten

1/4 cup minced onion

1/3 cup minced bell pepper (I had yellow, red, and green chopped- in the freezer)

1 teaspoon lemon juice (and some lemon zest if you use fresh lemon)

1 tablespoon  (to taste)Tabasco brand chipotle pepper sauce

Mix ingredients well, allow to sit 5 minutes. Form into patties. They will be very soft!

Cook on lightly oiled skillet over medium heat, until lightly browned. Turn. Flatten slightly. Cook until lightly brown and set.

Salt and pepper to taste.

Makes about 7 patties.