Isolation: Deluxe Macaroni and Cheese

The brutal murders of Karen and David have rocked the Group. Tyreese erupts in rage and sorrow and the resulting brawl ends in a sprained hand for Rick Grimes.

Hershel advises that they must isolate those showing symptoms to protect the most vulnerable of their Group. He believes that the veterinary college more than 50 miles away at West Peachtree Tech may still have medications that would help the victims of the infection. So Daryl, Tyreese, Michonne and Bob prepare to leave, while Carol and Glenn separate the group that were exposed in the initial attack on Cell Block D.

Sasha shows signs of illness and says a tearful goodbye to Tyreese; while Hershel and Carl trek into the woods to gather elderberries for a medicinal tea. Maggie urges her father to stay away from those infected but Hershel refuses, since this is the first time they have control over what they risk their lives for.

The threat facing the Group is unlike any other they have dealt with before. The battle ahead will not be won with cunning or force, but with time. Only the immune systems of those infected can do the fighting.

Those that stay behind can do little but provide supportive care to the sick members of their Group. Kind words, plenty of fluids and comfort food would be the best they could do.

The American favorite of Macaroni and Cheese is the ultimate in comfort food. Using pantry ingredients, our vision of this soothing dish is leagues ahead of the standard Kraft-brand style fare.

Careful use of cheese and aromatics push the flavor to new heights. Make this delicious meal when your group needs extra comfort.

And when the dead rise; don't cough in front of Carol.

Deluxe Macaroni and Cheese

1 pound box Macaroni

1 (10 oz) can Evaporated Milk

1 (16 oz) box Velveeta Queso Blanco, cubed
1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese
1 can Anchovies, drained
1 (8 oz) jar Sun Dried tomatoes, drained and chopped finely

1/2 tsp. Dried Basil
2 tsp. Garlic Powder
1 Tbsp. Red WIne Vinegar
1/2 tsp Ground Nutmeg (optional)

2/3 cup Bread Crumbs
1 Tbsp. Olive Oil

1 tsp. Dried Thyme

2 Tbsp. Parmesan Cheese

Fill a large Dutch oven with water and bring to a boil over high heat or very hot campfire coals. Cook macaroni according to the package directions and drain well.

While macaroni cooks, mix the evaporated milk and the next in a large, heavy saucepan. Allow to heat gently over medium-high heat or very hot campfire coals until cheese and anchovies melt.

When the macaroni is drained, return to the Dutch oven and pour over cheese sauce. Mix well and set aside while you prepare crumb mixture. 

In a small bowl, combine bread crumbs and the next three ingredients. Sprinkle over macaroni and serve immediately, making sure that each serving gets some of the breadcrumb mixture on top.