Firecracker Fried Okra

Firecracker Fried Okra vegetable oil 1/2 cup yellow self rising cornmeal 1 cup all purpose flour plus 2 Tbsp 1 tsp salt 1/2 tsp onion powder 1/4 tsp garlic powder 1/2 tsp paprika 1/4-1/2 tsp cayenne 1/4 tsp black pepper 1 1/4 lb fresh okra ends removed & sliced 1 cup whole buttermilk 1 tsp hot sauce [more or less to your taste] n a dutch oven or heavy bottomed saucepan, heat 4-5 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F. On a platter, sift together the yellow cornmeal, 1 cup of all purpose flour and seasonings. Dust the okra slices with 2 Tbsp all purpose flour and sprinkle lightly with salt and black pepper. Stir the hot sauce into the buttermilk. Dip the okra in buttermilk then into the flour-cornmeal mixture. Shake off any excess flour before adding to the hot oil. Fry in batches until golden [about 4 minutes] then remove to paper towels or parchment paper to drain. Dust lightly with salt immediately after removing them from the hot oil. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce. Notes If you prefer a milder version, omit the cayenne and hot sauce.