OKRA!

I have recently been part of an ongoing long-distance discussion about okra.  Okra...originally from West Africa (probably Ethiopia) and a major ingredient in many southern dishes.  It can be cooked in a variety of ways, but deep fry it to avoid the slimy goo. If you cook it for a long time, like in a gumbo, the sliminess is minimized and it is a very effective thickener.  Some people like it pickled...but I am not one of them.  Give me fried okra or none at all.  Although southerners tend to think of it as "ours" okra is used internationally in all types of cuisine. 

I don't know if okra cupcakes have been attempted before, but here is what I think one would look like. 

jamieanne via Flickr

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