Update from the Field: Chicken Empanadas with Queso

The unsettling discovery of several high-tech "Walker Traps" in Georgia has rocked local Survivors. The traps, consisting of large pits with cylindrical towers placed nearby actually appear to be elaborate noise-makers.

As the multiple cylinders of the traps spin, they emit a high-pitched sound that closely duplicates a human scream. It is quite easy to see how any sound mimicking a scream would attract multiple Walkers in a short period of time.

What made the traps even more unique was the way they were powered. Not only were they well designed and constructed, but each trap was powered by solar panels. Each of the traps discovered also contained at least three captive Walkers; an indication of their apparent effectiveness. 

We would like to remind all Survivors to stay away from any device which appears to be designed to trap Walkers. The U.S. Government has not implemented any trapping program for Walkers. All Walkers should be considered extremely dangerous and every effort should be made to destroy them on sight.

This shocking development no doubt causes even more concern for the survivors of the Southern United States. We will continue to keep you updated as more information becomes available.

At this time, the WDSCB would like to present Chicken Empanadas with Queso. Chicken, olives, raisins and traditional spices combine to create a delicious and portable meal that your Group can take with them while on watch or scavenging missions.

Chicken Empanadas with Queso

Filling:
2 (10 oz) cans Chicken meat, drained and diced
1/2 cup raisins
3 oz jar Spanish Olives, drained and sliced
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground cumin
1/4 tsp ground allspice
1 jar Salsa or Picante Sauce

Dough/Crust:
1 cup Bisquick Heart Smart Baking Mix
1/3 cup boxed almond, soy or dairy milk

Queso:
Knorr Four Cheese Sauce Mix
1 Tbsp. dried cilantro
1 small can green chili peppers, drained
1 small can jalapeño peppers, drained
Boxed almond, soy or dairy milk

Preheat oven to 400°F. Alternately, heat campfire coals to red hot and allow to turn to white ash.

For the Filling: In a medium bowl, combine drained chicken meat, raisins, cinnamon, cumin  and allspice. Stir in olives and 1/2 cup of salsa. Stir well to combine. If the texture of the filing is too dry, stir in more salsa (1 tablespoon at a time) until the desired consistency is reached. The mixture should be easy to spoon but not too wet or it will make the crust soggy,

For the Dough/Crust: In a medium bowl, combine baking mix and milk. Stir gently with a fork until a soft dough forms. Do NOT over mix. On a flat work surface, sprinkle more baking mix. Turn the dough out onto the coated work surface. Knead 8 to 10 times. Divide dough in half. 

Then divide each half in half once more. Divide each half into thirds. Roll each piece of dough into a 3 to 4 inch circle. Using a spoon, drop about 2 Tbsp of filling onto one half of the 3 to 4 inch circle of dough. Fold the other half of the dough over the filling to form a half circle shaped pocket. Press the edges of the dough together with a fork or use your fingers to seal the edges well. The dough and filling will make 12 empanadas.

Place all 12 empanadas on a baking pan or sheet and bake for 12-14 minutes or until golden brown. Alternately, place empanadas in a baking pan and cover tightly with lid or foil. Bake over campfire coals for 8 minutes and then rotate over campfire. Bake an additional 6 minutes, watching carefully so the bottoms of the empanadas do not get too brown. If necessary, you may need to turn them over to ensure they are evenly browned. Serve with Queso.

For the Queso: Combine Knorr Four cheese sauce according to package directions only reduce the milk to 1 cup. Stir in the entire can of drained green chili peppers and 1 Tbsp of dried cilantro. Finely dice the jalapeño peppers and add 2 Tablespoons to the Queso after removing from heat. Serve with the Empanadas.

Say the Word (part 2): Eggs Atlanta

Darkness falls when Daryl and Maggie finally return with formula for the baby and a possum for the Group. Maggie mixes the formula and Daryl is the first to feed the sobbing little girl. 

Carl rattles off a list of names for the baby. It is a sobering moment when the Group realizes that Carl's list is simply a recounting of the names of the fallen women of their group. Daryl offers the suggestion of "Little Ass Kicker" to Carl as a possibility. The Group finally smiles and enjoys the sight of their newest member eating a meal.

The next morning, a stone-faced Daryl emerges in the hazy light to approach the three fresh graves outside the prison walls. Kneeling down, he places a Cherokee rose on Carol's empty grave as a final goodbye. 

Returning to the prison, Daryl would no doubt find the Group busy preparing breakfast. After the hell the last 24 hours has brought them; and the losses that they have suffered, both Beth and Carl would want to make a big breakfast to give the Group strength for the day ahead.

Eggs Atlanta is a unique twist on Eggs Benedict. Canned potatoes and canned asparagus provide the hash brown base and topping; while fried SPAM stands in for the Canadian bacon. Topped with packaged Hollandaise sauce and served with love, your group will never know that the entire meal is made from pantry ingredients.

And when the dead rise; don't dig graves unless you have a body.

Eggs Atlanta

2 (14 oz) cans Whole Potatoes, drained and grated
Powdered Eggs 
(mixed with water, according to package directions
    to equal 4 fresh eggs)
1 (12 oz) can SPAM, drained and sliced
1 (32 oz) box Soy, almond or dairy milk
1 (15 oz) can Asparagus, drained
1 envelope Hollandaise Sauce Mix
Dried Chives
Butter-flavored shortening

In a medium bowl, mix grated potatoes with salt and pepper to taste. Pat mixture into small patties (about 4 inches in diameter) and set aside.

In a small saucepan, mix the Hollandaise sauce mix with 1 cup of soy/almond/dairy milk and 4 Tablespoons of butter flavored shortening. Mix over medium heat (or medium coals) according to package directions. Remove from heat and keep warm while preparing the potato patties.

In a large skillet, melt a tablespoon of shortening, over medium heat or medium coals. Cook grated potato patties in hot fat for 4 minutes on each side (or until golden brown and crisped). When all of the potato mixture is cooked, set aside (wrapped well to keep warm).

In the same skillet (over medium heat or coals), melt a tablespoon of shortening. Pour in powdered/reconstituted eggs, along with 1 Tablespoon of Chives, and scramble lightly using a wooden spoon or spatula. Scramble eggs until softly set. Remove from heat onto a warmed plate and cover to keep warm.

In the same skillet, fry SPAM slices until lightly browned (about 2 minutes). Using a spatula, flip SPAM slices to fry on the other side. While the second side fries, add the asparagus to the same skillet. Sauté asparagus gently until warmed. Remove SPAM and asparagus to a warmed plate while you assemble the Eggs Atlanta.

For each serving: layer the ingredients in the following order onto serving plate; Place a potato patty, a slice of SPAM, a scoop of scrambled eggs, 3 asparagus tips and 3 Tablespoons of Hollandaise Sauce.

Serve Immediately.

In Honor of True Love: Nine Lives Chocolate Pie

The effects of grief that so many Survivors have experienced at the loss of their loved ones cannot be underestimated. Grief is even more poignant for those that failed to share their true feelings with those they loved and lost.

Carol's loss was felt most intensely by Daryl Dixon. The complex understanding they had of each other was not something the rest of the Group could share. The common bond of their abusive pasts gave them a unique insight and perspective that even married couples rarely achieve.

It took the end of civilization for both Carol and Daryl to finally experience love. Though unrequited, their love for each other was undeniable and authentic. Through each other, they finally realized their true worth. Their only real enemy was time.

The WDSCB urges all Survivors to not wait for time to run out. If there is someone in your life that you care about…make sure they know it. Through words and deeds…make sure they see it. Don't wait for the Festival of Lupercalia (more famously known as Valentine's Day) or even the scourge of Death to steal the chance from you.

In honor of Carol and Daryl and all True Loves in our new world; the WDSCB presents: Nine Lives Chocolate Pie. Inspired by the decadent "Sex In A Pan" dessert, Nine Lives Chocolate Pie can be made easily with only five pantry ingredients. Chocolate and coffee liquor combine to perfectly complement each other.

So go ahead; share something sweet with the one who complements you.

Nine Lives Chocolate Pie

1 (17.5 oz) package Chocolate Chip Cookie Mix

1 (7.5 oz) jar Marshmallow Fluff

1 (3.9 oz) Devil's Food (or Chocolate) Instant Pudding Mix

3 Tbsp. Coffee Liquor

1 (32 oz) box of Almond, Soy or Dairy Milk

If you have access to an oven, preheat to 375°.  Alternately, heat campfire coals to red-hot and allow to turn to white ash.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the Chocolate Chip Cookie mix according to package directions except substitute the almond, soy or dairy milk for oil/butter and water and omit the eggs.

Pour into a greased pie tin or cast iron skillet. Bake in preheated oven for 20-24 minutes or until top springs back when lightly touched or a knife inserted into center of cookie pie comes out clean. Alternately, you may bake over hot campfire coals until cookie puffs up and a knife inserted into center of cookie pie comes out clean.

In another bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups Almond, Soy or Dairy Milk and the instant pudding mix. Stir until thickened and no lumps remain. Set aside.

After cookie pie is finished baking, allow to cool to room temperature. Brush or spoon the Coffee Liquor over pie until absorbed. Spread pudding mixture over cookie pie.

Using a large tablespoon, dollop the Marshmallow fluff around the edges of the pie. Place under broiler until marshmallow fluff is toasted and golden brown in color. Alternately, you may use hot coals (held in metal tongs) to toast the marshmallow fluff.

Cut into wedges and share with someone you love.