Southern Fried Okra

1 lb. fresh okra
2 eggs beaten
1/4 cup buttermilk
1 cup cornmeal
1 cup all purpose flour
2 teas. baking powder
1 teas salt
pepper to taste
vegetable oil

Wash and slice okra. Pat dry with paper towels. Combine eggs and buttermilk. Add okra and let stand for 10 minutes. Combine flour, cornmeal, baking powder, salt and pepper. Drain okra, small portions at a time, using a slotted spoon. Dredge okra, small portions at a time in flour mixture. Pour oil in a deep fat fryer about 2 or 3 inches deep. Heat oil to 375 degrees. Fry okra until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.

**NOTE** I love fried okra!! But when my dad used to raise it in his garden and he made us go pick it I thought it would itch me to death! Even if I wore long sleeves I still came out of the garden itching from head to toe! Does anyone else out there itch like that when picking okra?