spiced okra

I think okra is one of the best vegetables in the world...maybe the best.  (You can tell I grew up in Oklahoma, huh.)  But, as much as I love okra, I'm hesitant to cook it without frying it.  I'm sure you can imagine why.  If you know anything about okra, you know it can get disgustingly slimy when cooked the wrong way - even if it tastes good, just looking at it will turn your stomach.

I have been determined to figure out more ways to cook okra without frying it - ways that won't end up slimy.  As of today, I've come up with at least one solution...and my husband LOVED it!  I've cooked it two ways - the way I'm presenting below and also by adding meat and making it a main dish.  Both ways were great.

This okra is healthy and really spicy.  And it's remarkably free of slime.

Spiced Okra

• 2 cups frozen okra
• 2 1/2 t. paprika
• 1 t. onion powder
• 1 t. minced garlic
• 1/2 t. cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1/4 t. dried oregano
• 1/4 t. dried basil
• 1/4 t. white pepper
• 1 T. oil

Put okra and oil in nonstick skillet on medium heat.  Add spices and stir.  Add 1/4 cup water and cook until liquid is dissolved.  Check okra; if it's not tender enough, add another 1/4 cup water and cook until liquid is dissolved.  Continue until okra is tender.  Serves 4

Nutrition: 58 cal, 4g fat, 0g sat fat, 0mg cholesterol, 3mg sodium, 6g carbs, 2g fiber, 2g sugar, 1g protein, 20% vit. A, 16% vit. C, 6% calcium, 4% iron.

mom's pot roast

 There are lots of recipes out there for pot roast.  I've tried many of them.  And yet...I keep coming back to this one.  For one, it's my mother's recipe.  But there's other appeals as well - it's got only 5 ingredients, takes less than five minutes to prepare, goes in a slow cooker, and tastes so amazing that my husband put the barbecue sauce back in the refrigerator without ever having to use it.  For him to choose no barbecue sauce...well, let me just tell you, it had better be good meat.

Mom's Pot Roast

• Lean cut of beef (anything that has "loin" in its name)
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 envelope onion soup mix
• 1 onion, cut in large chunks
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup

Spray crock pot with cooking spray.  Make a cut in the thickest part of the meat and place it in the crock pot.  Add the rest of the ingredients in the order listed.  Cook on high for one hour.  Cook on low for an additional seven hours.