Prison Ramen

Synopsis

"These recipes make me smile and laugh out loud with joy, memory, and awe at their total culinary genius. All born from a bond of pure hunger?"-Samuel L. Jackson, from the Foreword When you're in prison, a little money in the commissary can mean the difference between a life of flavorless misery and the pleasure of re-creating a taste of childhood. And it starts with Ramen. Filled with contributions from anonymous inmates as well as names you'll recognize, such as guitarist Slash and actors Danny Trejo, Taryn Manning, and Shia LaBeouf, Prison Ramen is an original collection of inspired Ramen hacks: Hit Man Burritos. Sloppy Ramen Joe. Onion Tortilla Ramen Soup. Shawshank Spread. And Orange Porkies: Chile ramen + white rice + 1 bag pork skins + orange-flavored punch. Firsthand stories of life in prison, told by each of the contributors, go a long way to explaining the joy of doctoring a bag of Ramen. A joy you can now re-create in the freedom of your own kitchen.

Summary

Chapter 1: The "Cookhouse"

* Describes the cramped and chaotic environment of the prison kitchen, nicknamed the "cookhouse."
* Introduces Anthony, the inmate who inspires the book's recipes. Anthony dreams of becoming a chef after his release.
* Real example: Anthony's recipe for "Ramen for the Masses," using only 1 cup of flour, a packet of chicken bouillon, and water.

Chapter 2: The Ingredients

* Explores the limited and often processed ingredients available to prison cooks.
* Inmates rely on ingenuity and creativity to transform basic items into flavorful dishes.
* Real example: Inmate recipe for "Ramen Burgers," created using ramen noodles mashed together with instant mashed potatoes.

Chapter 3: The Techniques

* Describes the unconventional techniques used by inmate cooks due to limited equipment and space.
* Inmates use plastic cups as measuring tools, makeshift ovens created from cardboard boxes, and communal pots for shared meals.
* Real example: Inmate method for cooking "Prison Popcorn Chicken" in a plastic bag, shaken vigorously to coat the chicken in seasoning.

Chapter 4: The Community

* Highlights the sense of community fostered in the cookhouse, where inmates bond over their shared love of food.
* Cooking becomes a means of self-expression and camaraderie.
* Real example: Anthony's ongoing efforts to mentor inmates and teach them culinary skills.

Chapter 5: The Recipes

* Presents a collection of inmate recipes that showcase the ingenuity and resilience of prison cooks.
* Includes detailed instructions for a variety of dishes, from comfort foods like "Ramen Mac and Cheese" to creative creations like "Ramen Sushi."
* Real example: Inmate recipe for "Ramen Burrito," using ramen noodles as a tortilla wrap filled with beans, rice, and cheese.

Chapter 6: The Future

* Discusses the challenges and opportunities facing prisoner reentry, particularly in the culinary field.
* Anthony's story serves as an inspiration for rehabilitation and personal growth.
* Real example: Anthony's release from prison and his subsequent success as a chef at a restaurant in California.

Conclusion

* Emphasizes the transformative power of food in prison and beyond.
* Prison Ramen becomes a symbol of hope and redemption, demonstrating the potential for inmates to find purpose and dignity through culinary arts.
* Leaves readers with a message of empathy and understanding for incarcerated individuals.