Meatless Friday: Daniela's Arepas Colombianas

Our friends at Mary Help of Christians Academy in North Haledon, New Jersey, share recipes created in their Culinary Arts program on their blog, Our Daily Bread. This recipe is printed here with permission from MHCA Culinary Arts teacher Frank LaMendola. Arepas are a traditional Colombian food perfect for any time of day. This golden, crispy, and delicious treat is quick and easy to make. "Arepas son perfectas para ser rellenadas!"

Arepas Colombianas

• 2 cups pre cooked corn mean (masarepa)
• 2 cups hot water
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoon soft butter, divided
• 12 slices mozzarella cheese

1. In a medium bowl mix the masarepa, water, salt, and butter. Knead with your hands for about 3 minutes moistening you hands with water as you work.
2. Form 6 small balls with the dough. Place each ball between 2 plastic bags or parchment paper and with a flat pot cover flatten to about 1/3 inch. The arepas should be about 5" in diameter.
3. Add the butter to a nonstick pan over medium heat. Place the arepas in the pan, and cook about 3 minutes on each side, until a crust forms or until they are golden brown.
4. Split the arepas using a knife as you would do with an English muffin and stuff with 2 slice of mozzarella cheese.
5. Place the stuffed arepas back on the skillet over medium high heat and cook 2 minutes on each side or until the cheese is melted and serve immediately.

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