Seed (part 2): Skillet Granola

Though the Group is pleased to have breached the perimeter of the prison, Rick refuses to allow them to rest. They push onward and are able to clear out and secure an entire cellblock. Lori confesses her fear of dying to Hershel. And her fear of harming Carl or her unborn child if she turns. She stresses to him that he must not allow her to turn into a Walker. As they choose the cells that they will call home, they enjoy a temporary moment of peace. 

As usual, the peace is short-lived. The next day they press further into the deepest parts of the prison to clear out Walkers. When Glenn and Maggie are separated from the Group, a distracted Hershel makes a catastrophic mistake. He steps too close to a Walker lying on the floor, and is badly bitten on the leg.

In a bold and desperate move, Rick amputates Hershel's leg below the knee. 

The Group has suffered another devastating blow.

There is no time to eat…everyone is needed to help Hershel. It was a good thing that they shared breakfast together earlier that morning. With very limited supplies, they would have had at least a few staples to prepare Skillet Granola.

High in fiber (and fat), it would give them the energy to clear more cell-blocks of Walkers.

And when the dead rise; don't step too close to Walkers lying on the ground!

Skillet Granola

2 Tbsp. Olive Oil
4 cups Rolled Oats
6 Tbsp. Butter flavored shortening
2 tsp. vanilla extract
5 Tbsp. Honey
1/2 cup packed dark or light brown sugar
1 cup chopped nuts (the WDSCB used pecans)
1 cup dried fruit (the WDSCB used cranberries)

Optional Spices: 1 tsp ginger or 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice


Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven (or cast iron skillet) over medium heat or medium-hot coals. Add the oats to the skillet and stir well. They will start to toast and turn a bit crispy. Stir well, for about 5 minutes. 

Add butter flavored shortening to skillet and allow to melt. Add honey and brown sugar and stir well to coat oats with melted shortening and sugar/honey mixture.

Add spices if desired and stir well. Continue to cook and stir constantly for another 5 minutes to make sure the oats are evenly coated. Remove from heat and spread mixture out into a 9 x 13 inch baking pan. Allow to cool to room temperature and then stir in the vanilla extract and whatever chopped nuts and dried fruit you were able to scavenge. 

Store the granola in an airtight container or sealed plastic bag. Serve with boxed soy milk, boxed almond milk or canned dairy milk.