SHIRLEY’S ROASTED OKRA

Rinse okra pods that are ideally no longer the 3 inches. Dry on paper towel. Put in a plastic bag and coat with olive oil or drizzle olive oil over pods. Preheat oven to 425°F. Place whole pods on a foil or parchment-paper lined baking sheet. Season the pods with garlic and salt or dried Italian herbs. Cook for 15-20 minutes until the pods are brown. May need to shake baking sheet half-way through cooking for even browning. Using your fingers, eat up to the top and place it on your plate. (If you have an air fryer, the roasted okra can also be cooked in it. Coat with Pam spray and bake at 400°F. for 5-7 minutes. May need to add time if not browned.)

SHIRLEY’S SEAFOOD GUMBO

In about 5 qt. pot, cook 1 lb. of mild Italian sausage. Chop into bite-sized pieces. Remove from pan and wipe out excess grease. Sauté 1 large chopped onion and several chopped green, red or yellow peppers in 1 Tbs. olive oil. (Optional: Bay leaves and/or g...