Fresh produce from the Special Needs Services (SNS) of Ray County community garden offered more than samples during the recent Community Connections program, providing participants with ideas to try at home.

Recipes shared during the program include fried okra, roasted winter squash and homemade chili powder. Instructions provided by SNS are as follows: Fried Okra

1 lb fresh okra pods ½ to 1 cup favorite fish fry breading Vegetable or canola oil for frying 2 eggs, beaten To prepare, wash and dry the okra, then slice it into ½-inch rounds. Moisten the pieces in the egg wash and dredge them in breading. Heat the oil to 350375 degrees.

Carefully add the okra in small batches to avoid crowding the pan. Stir gently and cook for three to five minutes, until golden brown and crispy. Remove the okra with a slotted spoon and place it on a paper towel-lined plate. Sprinkle lightly with additional salt while hot.

The recipe also suggests dredging the okra in rice or cornstarch between the egg wash an…