PAULA DEEN'S FRIED OKRA SALAD

Ingredients:
1 1/2 lbs. Breaded Frozen Okra
Vegetable Oil for Frying
2 lg. Tomatoes, seeded and chopped
1/2 Green Bell Pepper, diced
1 Bunch Green Onions, diced
6 Slices Bacon, cooked and crumbled
1/2 C Vegetable Oil (I will use less next time)
1/4 C Sugar
1/4 C Distilled White Vinegar

Directions:
Fry okra in vegetable oil according to package directions, drain on paper towels. In a medium bowl, combine okra, tomatoes, bell pepper, green onions and bacon. In a small saucepan, combine oil, sugar and vinegar. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently until sugar dissolves. Pour over okra mixture, tossing gently to coat. Serve immediately.

Recipe from Cooking with Paula Deen, May/June 2008

COPYCAT CHILI’S SALSA

Ingredients:

14 1/2 oz. Can Tomatoes and Green Chiles

14 1/2 oz. Can Diced Tomatoes (do not drain)

1 T plus 1 tsp Jalapenos (canned diced, not pickled)

1/4 C Diced Onion

3/4 tsp Garlic Salt, or more to taste

1/2 tsp Cumin, or more to taste

1/4 tsp Sugar, or more to taste

1 Bunch Cilantro, chopped

Directions:

Combine all ingredients until well combined. If you prefer a less chunky salsa you can put in food processor and pulse for a few seconds. Place in covered container and chill.

Recipe found on The Secret Recipe Blog (http://www.recipesecrets.net/blog/recipes/copycat-chilis-salsa/) with my variations above.

SALMON PATTIES

Ingredients:
1 (14 3/4 ounce) Canned Salmon
1/4 C Onion, minced
1/4 C Cornmeal
1/4 C Flour
1 Egg
3 T Mayonnaise
1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
Dash Salt
Dash Pepper
2-3 T Oil, for pan frying

Directions:
Drain salmon thoroughly and flake it with a fork in a large bowl. Add remaining ingredients (except oil) and mix well. Form into patties. Add oil to pan and heat to med-high heat. Fry patties until golden brown, turning once during cooking.

Recipe found on Craving Comfort Blog (http://cravingcomfort.blogspot.com/2010/03/perfect-salmon-patties-easy-too.html). The mayonnaise really helped make it moist!