Name: Okra Cornmeal Fritters
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: Makes about 28 fritters
Ingredients: 4 bacon slices; 1/2 large Vidalia or other sweet onion, finely chopped (2/3 cup); 1/2 pound fresh okra, trimmed and chopped; 1 large egg; 1 cup well-shaken buttermilk; 1 cup white cornmeal (preferably stone-ground); 1 tespoon sugar; 1/4 tespoon cayenne; About 1 cup vegetable oil for frying

When you put okra and cornmeal—two icons of the southern table—together in a hot greased skillet, magic happens, especially when you've tossed in a little crisp bacon for good measure. These fritters are best when eaten immediately, but try not to devour them all before they've even left the kitchen.

Cooks' note:

Bacon, onion, and okra mixture can be made 1 day ahead and chilled.

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