Arepas

super simple!

• I just bought Harina PAN white corn flour (pre cooked) I got this at Lee Lee supermart (Dobson & Warner)
• mix the flour with water (about 1:1) until you get a good dough consistency. add the water first, then salt (about 1tsp) and flour last. need until dough forms
• make about 2-3 in sized balls, well compacted (or whatever size arepa you prefer)
• with the palm of your hand rotate the ball into a flatten disc shape (with enough thickness to slice down the middle for your fillings)
• heat a greased griddle to med heat and grill on each side for about 5 or so minutes..when it browns a little (should sound kinda hollow if you tap it) another option would be to pan fry it and that also is delicious!

Next add your ingredients:

I used shredded beef, guacamole, cheese, lettuce, black beans, sour cream and fresh salsa with this tradition Venezuelan dish!

Enjoy!!

Heres another version you can also try (courtesy Bobby Flay):
2 1/2 cups milk
1/2 stick (1/4 cup) unsalted butter, cut into pieces
1 1/2 cups white arepa flour (precooked cornmeal)
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon honey
Vegetable or canola oil, for cooking

Bring milk to a simmer in a small saucepan, then remove from heat and stir in butter.

Combine arepa flour, salt, pepper and cotija in a large bowl. Add the hot milk and honey and stir until combined. Let mixture stand until milk is absorbed enough for a soft dough to form, 1 to 2 minutes (dough will continue to stiffen).

Form the dough into 12 balls (about 2 inches in diameter) and flatten between palms into 3 1/2 to 4-inch patties (about 1/3-inch thick).

Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat until the oil begins to shimmer, fry 4 arepas at a time, until lightly golden brown on both sides and just cooked through about 2 to 3 minutes per side; transfer to a baking sheet lined with paper towels.

Slice the arepas in half crosswise, mound some of the ingredients on the bottom, and top with the other half.

Pastel and Hamburger misto

Didn't know what to call this.. but it is just something simple we ate for dinner tonight and quick :)
*It's just hamburger meat ( first you sauté some chopped onions and garlic, then add your meat, seasonging salt, and pepper
*Then for the rice: I would like to know how everyone cooks their rice.. so here's what I did (just leave a comment and tell me how you make your rice..love to know different ways). I add a tiny bit of olive oil, onions, and garlic and then rice and sauté until coated. Next add hot water (cover until about your first knuckle deep) boil on high then cover and cook on med.
*Steamed corn on the cob and carrots
Mix it all together and you get the best of both worlds .. cheesy huh.

This my dear is what we call Pastel (pronounced like posh-tew) Is it yummy in my tummy (of coarse most things fried are). salgadinho's are tasty salty treats!
So, first you need masa (which is the flattened dough, which I'm sure none of you are going to make..unless you have a tortilla press, otherwise..you need to buy this, which is sorta like an egg roll dough. I get these in Brasil and they are round.
*Add your meat in the center. dab your finger in some water and seal the edges. fold over and seal by pressing a fork all the way around the edges.
*Next .. you fry in med-high heated oil...until golden brown.
(side note: make sure your meat isn't too hot when making these, because it will make a tear in your dough because of the heat).
This is a typical Brasilian home meal.. enjoy