Warm Andouille Dressing, recipe follows.

Beat together the buttermilk, egg and hot sauce in a small bowl. Add the okra and turn to coat evenly. Let sit for 30 minutes.

In another bowl, combine the flour, cornmeal, and 1 teaspoon of Essence.

Dredge the okra in the flour mixture and heat the shortening in a skillet, if using, otherwise heat oil in a deep-fryer or Dutch oven to 360 degrees F. When it is hot, place the okra in the oil and fry, turning once, for about 2 minutes, or until lightly golden. Drain on paper towels. Sprinkle the okra with the remaining 1 teaspoon of Essence. Divide the frisee among 4 salad plates, season with salt and pepper, to taste, top each with okra, smoked mozzarella and drizzle with dressing. Serve immediately.

Combine all ingredients thoroughly.

Yield: 2/3 cup

Recipe from "New New Orleans Cooking", by Emeril Lagasse and Jessie Tirsch

Published by William Morrow, 1993.

Heat a medium dry skillet over high heat. Add the andouille and saute for 1 1/2 minutes. Add the shallots and garlic and saute for 1 minute. Add the oil and vinegar, cook for 1 minute, and remove from the heat. Stir in the sugar, salt, and pepper. Serve immediately. Refrigerate any remaining dressing.

Yield: 4 to 6 servings