* 1 pound whole, fresh okra
* 3 ½ cups vegetable oil – for frying

Batter

* 1 cup flour
* ½ cup cornmeal
* 2 tsps. kosher salt
* ½ tsp. cayenne
* ½ tsp. freshly ground black pepper
* ½ cup + 2 TBSPs. water
* 2 eggs
* 2 tsps. hot chili sauce

Wash okra and trim the ends. Chop the okra into 1 ½ inch length. Set aside.

In a large mixing bowl… combine flour, flour, cornmeal, kosher salt, cayenne and freshly ground black pepper. Stir with spatula to mix. Add water and eggs to the flour mixture. Beat until smooth and free of lumps. Stir in hot chili sauce and whisk a few times to mix well.

Add to the batter, the washed and trimmed okra. Stir with a spoon, making sure okra is well coated with the batter.

Using a large, deep skillet… heat the oil to 350°F. (Use a thermometer to be sure.) Spoon battered okra, one piece at a time, into the hot oil. Fry several pieces at a time… about 2 minutes on each side or until golden brown. Follow the same method in frying the rest of the okra. Drain on paper towels. Serve 3 – 4 people.