Recipe: Arepas (Tortilla like appetizer)

Arepas

3 lbs of all-purpose flour
3 tbsp of salt
2 sticks of margarine or 1 1/2 sticks of butter at room temperature
3 cups of boiling water for every 3 lbs of flour

Mix boiling water, flour, and margarine in large bowl. Kneed mix to make dough. Add flour as needed. The dough is ready when it doesn't stick to your hands anymore. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and put it in a warm draft free place for 8-10 hours.

Make 25-30 balls with 2-3 inches in diameter. Flatten each ball with your hand and give it a circular shape with a thickness of approximately 1/4-inch. You have make an "arepa".

Pour oil into a deep frying pan to a depth of about 3/4 to 1-inch. Heat oil to 350F.

Fry the "arepas", a few at a time, in the oil. Using metal spoon, pour hot oil over the "arepas". As the "arepa" turns golden brown and puff up, turn over to cook the other side. Remove "arepa" and drain on paper towel.

You can serve them stuffed with chicken or shrimp salad or with the stuffing of your choice.