Fried Okra Poppers (Week 34)

Okra is not one of those things that I rush to the market thinking "oh God....I am SO craving OKRA".  Um....no!  In an effort to get outside my "comfort zone" (this trend starting with flying through the air on a zip line a week or so ago), I gathered up some fresh okra at the Vineyard Farmers Market.  This little dish was quite tasty and my hubby actually liked it.  Imagine that?  Okra!

Fried Okra Poppers
4 cups of stale tortilla chips (crushed and ground)
1/4 c all purpose flour
1 large egg
2 ounces of chilled pepper Jack cheese
12 medium okra
2 cups of corn oil

In a food processor finely grind the tortilla chips (you can use crackers too but I like the corn crunch).  In a shallow bowl, whisk together the crumbs, the flour and salt to taste.  In another bowl, beat the egg.  Cut cheese in to twelve 1 1/2 by 1/2 by 1/4 inch pe3ices.

With a sharp knife, slit the lengthwise side of each okra and gently pull slit open to insert cheese.  Chill for 5 minutes.

Working in batches of 4, dip stuffed okra in egg then roll in crumbs then fry till golden.  Remove with slotted spoon and drain on paper towel.