Killer Within: Puffed Maple Pancake

The Group continues to work tirelessly to secure the prison and fortify the outer perimeter against Walker attacks. They enjoy a moment of levity upon catching a disheveled Glenn and Maggie in the guard tower together.

The moment is interrupted by the appearance of Oscar and Axel; the sole surviving inmates. Their pleas to join the Group fall on deaf ears as Rick makes no pretense of tolerance. He reminds them of his earlier promise to kill them both if they approach any member of the Group. Only T-Dog seems to care about their plight.

However, the entire Group is moved to see Hershel emerge from Cell Block C. While he is a bit unsteady on his crutches, the older man's unbreakable spirit gives them all a reason to pause and smile. He is the living proof of their victory over death.

But the triumph turns to terror only seconds later when Walkers swarm from the side of the interior prison yard.

With the sheer numbers of Walkers, the Group must scatter. Rick, Daryl and Glenn race to the yard as Hershel and Beth get to the fenced side door and seal themselves inside. Maggie leads Lori and Carl to yet another C-Block entrance. T-Dog and Carol shoot their way to the recreation yard gate, which (impossibly) has been opened. In a heroic act of self-sacrifice, T-Dog closes the gate just as he is viciously attacked by a Walker.

As Maggie leads Lori and Carol back to Cell Block C, they are forced to take refuge in a utility room. Defying the idea that the situation cannot get any worse, Lori goes into labor.

Separated again and beaten down once more; the Group would need all the strength they could possibly muster. It was very fortunate that they at least ate breakfast before the catastrophic day began.

While pancakes would be too time consuming to prepare for a group with all the work involved; a puffed, casserole style pancake would work just fine. Sometimes simple carbohydrates and a good sugar-rush are all your Group will need.

And when the dead rise; watch the gates. Always watch the gates.

Puffed Maple Pancake

1/3 cup butter flavored shortening
3/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar, divided
2/3 cup maple syrup
1 3/4 cups Bisquick Heart-Smart Baking Mix
1 cup almond, soy or dairy milk
Powdered equivalent to 2 eggs (follow package directions)

Melt shortening and 1/2 cup of brown sugar and all of the maple syrup in a very large cast iron skillet or large baking pan over medium heat or medium campfire coals. If you have access to an oven; preheat it to 350°.

In a large bowl, blend remaining sugar, baking mix, milk and eggs. Pour pancake mixture over the melted maple syrup mixture. Bake in preheated oven for 30 to 32 minutes or until a knife inserted in the middle of the pancake comes out clean. Or until the top springs back when lightly touched.

Alternately, cover pan/skillet with aluminum foil or a baking sheet. Place above medium campfire coals and allow to "bake" over coals. Check carefuly after 20 minutes. 

Rotate pan if needed to ensure even cooking. Bake over coals for another 15 minutes. If additional cooking time is required; you can cover the tightly covered pan with hot coals to complete the cooking of the top pancake mixture.

Cut into wedges or squares and serve right away. If you have enough maple syrup to spare; serve with additional syrup.