Making food in prison is an interesting thing. We don’t have a lot of the conventional ingredients or methods, but when we can, we make the best with what we do have. Making food is such an integral part of reconnecting to our humanity that the ways we improvise helps bring about that connection. A microwave, a small water heater, even cardboard serving trays are the items that put the goods on the table (or bunk… whichever). Below is a sample Saturday afternoon with a friend…

Frito Mac-N-Cheeze Pork Pie (serves 2)

1 – Large bag of Frito chips (any flavor)
.5 cup – Cheese Sauce (jalapeño squeeze cheese reduced with milk)
2 – 5oz packs of shredded pork, heated (seasoned if desired)
1 box – Prepared Mac and Cheese as directed

Directions: Split the bag of Frito chips between two servings. Drizzle cheese sauce over chips in each portion equally. Empty contents of 1 pork pouch over each portion. Lastly, layer macaroni and cheese over each portion equally. Microwave 1-2 minutes to keep hot. Add some hot sauce to spice it up!

AND

Peanut Butter Poppers (serves 2)

1.25 cups regular sugar
3/4 cup peanut butter
1/8 cup butter
1 to 2 tablespoons milk
2 Hershey Bars, melted (about 8 oz. milk chocolate)

Directions: Mix sugar, peanut butter, and butter until combined. Add milk to keep moist. Roll into balls. Chill balls in a plastic bowl set on ice. Melt chocolate and dip balls in mix. Chill again until chocolate is firm.

There’s a lot more recipes like this that we’ve created to mimic the free world, but simply enjoying a bite to eat with a friend is important to healing and growth.

by Rory Andes

If you’re worried about waistlines, look elsewhere…

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Rory Andes 367649
MCC-TRU
PO Box 888