Fresh Corn and Okra Fritters

Ingredients

 * ½ cup stone-ground white cornmeal
 * ½ cup all-purpose flour
 * 1½ tsp salt
 * 1 tsp baking powder, preferably homemade
 * 1 egg, lightly beaten
 * ½ cup rice milk
 * ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
 * ¼ cup thinly sliced scallions
 * 1 cup fresh corn kernels
 * 1 cup (about 5 oz) thinly sliced (⅛- to ¼-inch thick) okra
 * about 2 cups vegetable oil for frying

Directions

 * 1) Put cornmeal, flour, 1 teaspoon salt and baking powder in a mixing bowl, and stir well to blend.
 * 2) In a separate bowl, whisk together egg and water, and stir into dry ingredients, mixing just until well blended.
 * 3) Sprinkle remaining ½ teaspoon salt and black pepper over scallions, corn and okra, and fold vegetables into batter.
 * 4) Pour oil into a large skillet, and heat to 340°F.
 * 5) Scoop batter by about ¼ cupfuls into hot oil.
 * 6) Fry until golden brown on both sides, carefully turning to brown evenly and to cook through, for about 3 to 5 minutes.
 * 7) Remove from skillet using a slotted spoon, and drain fritters on layers of paper towels.
 * 8) Sprinkle lightly with salt, and serve hot or at room temperature.