Infected: Five-Spice Lo Mein

The start of another morning at the prison finds Rick enjoying a moment of happiness with his baby daughter Judith. Beth takes over the care of the little girl so Rick and Carl can start their morning chores.

It is still quite early so the crews assigned to cull the Walker herds gathered at the fences have not started yet. 

The sound of gunfire inside the prison stuns those working outside. Rick, Carl, Daryl and those on guard quickly mobilize and storm D-Block. Impossibly, Walkers are inside the secure block and chaos has erupted. Children are screaming and the adults there have been caught completely off guard. When the Group finally regains control, at least a dozen of their own lay dead or dying.

Upon examining the bodies, they discover the start of it all was young Patrick, who simply died and turned during the night. The doctor among the group realizes that it was likely pneumococcal or an aggressive flu strain.

Whatever the origin, they now have to quarantine everyone. Hershel also insists that they get rid of all the pigs, as they can spread the disease further. Even burying the bodies must be done with masks and gloves to prevent infection.

The Group does not have a moment of rest. As they prepare the Death Row block to house those showing sings of illness, the prison's perimeter fences  begin to buckle under the weight of Walkers pressing inward.

The culling cannot be done fast enough and the fences threaten to collapse completely. Rick decides on a way to draw off Walkers and get rid of the infected pigs all at the same time. Driving the Jeep, Daryl leads the Walkers away as Rick rides in the trailer hitched behind it; dumping the pigs as they go. The plan works and the fences are saved. But the day has been catastrophic. Their friends lay dead and they may all be infected with a virus or infection that would have no treatment at all.

Despite their heartbreak, they still had to eat and eat fast. After carrying out the bodies, Hershel would make them eat something.

Canned tuna, pasta and some pantry seasonings combine perfectly to make Five-Spice Lo Mein. Since they had a small herb garden, they would also be able to use cilantro and spring onions. If you cannot scavenge these, you can substitute dried cilantro and chives. 

Spicy foods may even help your immune system do battle with viruses and bacteria. So feel free to use as much sambal oelek as you wish. If you cannot find this spicy condiment, feel free to experiment with cayenne pepper.

And when the dead rise; never take M&Ms from Michonne!

Five-Spice Lo Mein

1 large can Solid White Albacore Tuna (in water if you can find it)
4 T. Soy Sauce
2 T. Brown Sugar, Agave Syrup or Honey
1 1/2 tsp. Sambal Oelek
1 T. Chinese Five-Spice Powder
1 T. Garlic Powder (or minced fresh if you can find it)
1 T. dried Ginger (or grated fresh if you can find it)

1/2 to 1 pound fettuccine, linguini or other flat noodle

Scallions, chopped
Cilantro, chopped

Fill a large heavy stockpot with water and bring to a boil over high heat or hot campfire coals.  Cook pasta according to package directions and drain well.

While pasta cooks, combine drained tuna, soy sauce and the next five ingredients in a large cast iron skillet. Warm gently over medium heat or medium coals. When pasta is cooked and drained well, add to the skillet and toss gently to combine and heat. Toss with chopped scallions, spring onions or dried chives and fresh or dried cilantro and serve immediately.