Crispy (Un-Fried) Roasted Okra

Things have been busy around our house lately. My classes are starting back up and the girls have gone back to school after winter break. We are still cooking at home as usual, to keep from eating out and wasting money. I love making meals for my family, that they love. Plus, we don't have to spend over $40 a meal to eat what someone else makes at a restaurant. On that note, here is a new side dish to try that the whole family may love!

If you like fried okra, here is a healthier version for you. My hubby only likes okra DEEP FRIED, and he actually liked this. I have been roasting different vegetables this way lately and it is my new favorite thing!! But, the okra is really a lot like fried okra because of the crispy, saltiness it gets from roasting.

You need:
I bag of frozen cut up okra
Sea salt
Pepper
Olive oil

Preheat oven to 450 degrees.
Put the frozen okra in a bowl. Drizzle in some olive oil and toss to coat. Spread the okra in a single layer on a large cookie sheet with sides. Season with salt and pepper. You can add pretty much any seasoning you want at this point. (Garlic would be good, or Cajun seasoning, chili powder, etc)
Place in the oven and roast for about 25-35 minutes. The okra will shrink up in size and will become browned.

Enjoy!!

Yum yum EGG CUSTARD

Have you ever tried egg custard? I had never tried it and really did not think I would like it. I found a recipe on Pinterest, of course. This has become one of my go to places for new recipes. The first time I made it, it was okay. The custard was a little bland and boring. It was a little too egg-y! It needed some richness and depth to it. So, as usual, :) I changed it up. I was a little weary about it and wasn't sure if it would mess it up to change the ingredients. However, eggs are only $0.39 at our favorite grocery store and milk is only $0.98/gallon. I decided it would not be a big deal if it was a flop.

I have made it many times since then and I tweak it every time. This is probably how I will continue to make it!!

Shayla's Egg Custard

4 eggs
1/2 can of eagle brand milk
Skim milk
About 1/2 cup sugar
1 tsp vanilla
Dash of sea salt

Whisk eggs by hand until well blended. Whisk in sugar, salt and vanilla. Pour eagle brand milk into a big measuring cup. Add skim milk to make 3 cups total of milk. Microwave milk until scalded (just under boiling). SLOWLY whisk hot milk into egg mixture. If you go too fast you will cook the eggs. Keep whisking slowly until you have added all the milk. Pour egg mixture into ramekins and place them in a larger pan. Fill the outside pan with warm water to surround the custard cups. You can sprinkle with nutmeg if you like. I like it better without, however the picture below has nutmeg. Bake at 350 for 30 min, or until a knife inserted comes out clean. The custard may jiggle a little bit, but test it with a knife. The custard will set while it cools. I leave it in the water bath for about 15 more minutes once I remove it from the oven. Then I remove them to a hot pad to cool.
Store in the refrigerator after they cool, I just cover the ramekins individually with foil.
With the sweetened condensed milk, this is so creamy and just right!!