Thanks to all my colleagues at JLF for their dogged analysis of key issues from the legislative session this week. Well, okay! Wow! Really? That explains it!  Thanks to Rick and Mitch for bringing in okra and tomatoes to JLF today. Yes, I’m connecting these two events. After a brief analysis and discussion of the 2013 legislative session this afternoon, WTSB’s Carl Lamm and I turned our attention to thinking about eating.  I like to think of it as think tank multi-tasking.  Here are my thoughts on the 2013 legislative session and here’s a recipe for okra and tomatoes (thanks again to Mitch and Rick!). If you were listening to WTSB this afternoon between 2 and 3, this is what I promised to post.  Let me know what you think – about the 2013 legislative session and these recipes – think of it as multi-task commenting!

Roasted Okra and Tomatoes

Fresh okra, small pods are better

Tomatoes, any variety is fine

Any amount of each will work but a good proportion is ½ lb of okra to 1 cup of tomatoes.

Wash okra, dry.  Trim the stem, leaving small amount to keep okra from “leaking” and leave okra whole.

Cut tomatoes in half, quarters or chunks depending on size

Toss okra and tomatoes in olive oil, just to coat.  Spread evenly in one layer on foil lined sheet pan.  Sprinkle with sea salt and freshly ground pepper.

Bake at 400 degrees for 20 -30 minutes until okra is slightly browned and tomatoes are cooked.

And to go with it, try this……

Grilled Fish in Foil Packets

4 fish fillets, 5-6 oz. each

4 tsp olive oil

salt and pepper

1 lemon, sliced

4 sprigs of fresh herb- oregano, thyme, rosemary or parsley are good options

4 large pieces of heavy duty aluminum foil , about 18 -20 inches long

Place a piece of fish on center of piece of foil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, drizzle with olive oil, top with a slice of lemon and sprig of herb.  Fold up edges to seal well, creating a tent – completely sealed so no leaks and no steam can escape.

Heat gas grill on one side to high heat with cover closed.  When grill is heated, put foils on the side without the heat and close the grill.  Let cook for 10-15 minutes til fish is opaque and cooked through.