Arepasssss

Firstly (is that a word?), let me show you the amazingness that is my new phone case:

Yes, this is the instagrammed version, which only makes it better.  (Also, if you want to follow my instagram - I always love more followers - the majority of it is food pictures.  It's @morrissab)

Now, onto the arepas!  I love these.  The first time I had them was in Spanish class, and the only way I can really describe them is like a dense English muffin.  Usually, I have heard, you cut them in half and put cheese and/or meat in the middle.  Mine are a more California arepa - avocado.  

They are super simple to make, all you need is Maseca, water, milk and a dash of salt.  Maseca is just corn flour and is relatively inexpensive and can be used for making tortillas and I think tamales (one of my favorites).  Here is a picture of the flour I use for reference:

So, there really is not much measuring in this recipe.  I used two cups of the flour and poured some milk in and some warm water until the dough was able to come together in a ball.  Here are pictures of my steps (again, excuse the poor photography):

I start mixing it with a spoon, but eventually you will just have to use your hands.  

When the dough is ready, get a pan and put a little vegetable oil and heat it up.  I learned that you should not use olive oil when frying, and although you are not frying these, you do want to get them a little brown on the sides sooooo yeah, vegetable oil.

Form the dough into little english muffin shaped discs, as big or little as you like.  Make a lot of small ones and serve them as appetizers or a side for any dinner.

Got my nails done for the first time in a LONG time and it feels amazing!  I had to show them off.  If you were wondering, the color if Essie Ballet Slippers, very classy.

Put them in the pan and cook them until the sides are golden brown.  

Place the browned arepas on a baking sheet and place it in a 400 degree oven for about 20 minutes, until the insides are cooked (that sounds a little weird).  I didn't include a picture of this step even though I took a picture because it was so awful.

When they are ready, take one out and cut it in half.  

Then take an avocado and slice it up so it's nice and pretty.

Place the cut arepas on a plate and put the avocado on top (I added some shaved parmesan).  I also had garlic - olive oil dressing from a local restaurant on it, but it is just as good with oil or oil and vinegar or oil and salt, the possibilities are endless! 

Enjoy!

Also, I started watching this new show called Betrayal, it is very bad but I really like it.