Ode to Fried Okra

Friday, August 26, 2005

Yesterday, I had one of my most favorite meals. I usually do this on a Thursday, because it is the one day that I don't work in the evening and it takes some time to get together.

The menu:
Pork Steaks (it's a St. Louis thing) w/Gates Hot BBQ Sauce
Fried Okra
Lima Beans
Homemade Ice Cream


I start in the afternoon with the coals in the BBQ pit. I soak the wood chips so that I am cooking the meat with a combination of grilling and smoking. It can take hours using this method.

I am lazy with the lima beans and just microwave frozen ones. I am a strong believer in cooking from the dry bean, but never have with lima beans (just a quirk?). However, as with most beans, the seasoning is really what counts.

The thing that really makes this my favorite meal is the fried okra. I love, love, love it! I usually go out to the farms or, if open, the farmers market to buy the fresh okra. I clip the the ends and slice it up. The okra is thinly coated in a cornmeal mix. It's fried in a thin layer of oil and fries up really fast.

While all this is going on, the homemade ice cream is churning away. I do this about once a month during the summer so that I can time the ice cream to be done about the time I am done eating.

It is the most fabulous meal. It's not overly filling so I don't just go into a coma afterwards. However, I do try to do it a little light the following days (except for the leftover BBQ the next day).

The highlight of the meal is the fried okra. The only problem with fried okra is that it really doesn't go with every meal. BBQ is great. Fried chicken is a natural pairing (but maybe too much "fried"). Meatloaf is also a nice pairing. However, one is not going to have a T-Bone steak and okra. Okra doesn't pair well with pasta. Maybe that is what makes it so special--that it isn't really an "everyday" food. It reminds me of many, many family dinners, family reunions or church picnics. Maybe that alone--the connection to childhood and easier times--is the foundation for loving it.
posted by suzyjax on 8/26/2005 07:23:00 AM > 1 comments

Schools in, Schools in, Teachers let the fools in

Monday, August 22, 2005

School begins for me tomorrow. I don't have my books yet, which is odd for me. However, it might be best--financially, at least--to go to the first class session and find out what books are truly necessary.

I do have this big fear that I will forget I have class tomorrow and realize it around 9:00--when it's already too late.
posted by suzyjax on 8/22/2005 01:45:00 PM > 0 comments

School's Back on Monday

Friday, August 19, 2005

My school, St. Charles Community College, starts back again on Monday. My classes start on Tuesday. I am looking forward to being back in the groove of studying--thought not necessarily looking forward to the homework and due dates.

I am taking a speech class and a writing class. I haven't yet picked up my books because my week was so crazy. I wonder if they are open tomorrow? If not, it will have to wait until after class on Tuesday.
posted by suzyjax on 8/19/2005 07:54:00 AM > 0 comments

I made my goal!

The ten weeks of my weight-loss group is over. I met my goal! And the bonus is that I won a little over $70! Good timing as I am having my hair done on Saturday and want to be able to pay for that.
posted by suzyjax on 8/19/2005 07:16:00 AM > 0 comments

I'm giving in: Harry Potter is now on the list

Friday, August 12, 2005

Okay, okay. I give in to all the Potter Hoopla (and it only took 6 books)!

I have bought the first three books for my reading groups. I thought this was a good idea after some kids at the library told me that they got hooked on Harry back in first grade when their teacher read it to them.

So....

But, first we will do The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe--one of my favorite books from childhood. I find books geared to teens and younger are best, comprehension-wise, for my reading groups. However, I can't exactly read the teen/pre-teen agnst of Judy Blume and the like without looking like I am treating these adults like children.
posted by suzyjax on 8/12/2005 10:52:00 AM > 0 comments

March of the Penguins

I finally got to see March of the Penguins yesterday. It is as wonderful as everyone says! Though it left me with a few questions:

There are situations where when the Mother marches off that she doesn't come back. What happens when the mothers return? Does that Father Penguin and Baby Penguin just die? Does Daddy penguin take off and leave baby penguin?

What about when the baby penguin dies (whether egg or hatched)? Does daddy leave then? When the mama comes back does she ever "adopt" one of the babies without a mom? It seems like some mama penguins tried to steal a baby so this adoption would seem to work?

Where would one find answers on such things?
posted by suzyjax on 8/12/2005 10:46:00 AM > 0 comments

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