This week we are cooking Arepas con Queso, a traditional Colombian dish.Whether filled with cheese, meats, or vegetables, arepas are versatile and enjoyed throughout the country. The lesson was inspired by the Disney movie Encanto, where arepas are featured as a symbol of family connection.

Along with the cultural significance of the dish, students learned important kitchen skills, like measuring ingredients using different measuring equipment, and differentiating liquid measurements from dry ingredients. As they mixed the cornmeal, butter, salt, and warm water, some students discovered firsthand how crucial it is to get the proportions right. When they accidentally added too much water or not enough cornmeal, the dough became too liquid and hard to work with. Many were surprised and enthusiastic to improve the consistency. In that moment we realized the importance of balance when following a recipe — small mistakes could easily affect how the dough holds together.

Ingredients for the dough:

• 9 oz white cornmeal

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 4 oz queso blanco (sub shredded mozzarella cheese)

• Olive oil

• 3 pinches of salt

• 10 oz warm wate

Once the dough was perfectly mixed, everyone enjoyed shaping their arepas into small, flat patties and cooking them in a hot skillet. There were a few giggles as some of the dough got stuck to their hands, but we all had fun with the process. As the pale dough sizzled, students saw how their efforts were quickly transforming into delicious golden-brown cheesy arepas. Seconds after each student received their arepa, they started competing for the largest size and most “put together” one.

The process:

Instructions:

1. Mix the Ingredients:
   • In a medium mixing bowl, combine the cornmeal, warm water, butter, and salt. Mix it by hand until the dough becomes sticky. If it’s too sticky, add a little more cornmeal; if it’s too dry, add more water.
2. Add the Cheese:
   • Once the dough is ready, stir in the shredded cheese to the mixture. Students had fun kneading it in!
3. Shape the Arepas:
   • Scoop out small portions of dough, slightly smaller than your fist. Roll them into balls and flatten them to about ½-inch thickness. Place them on parchment paper until you’re ready to cook.
4. Cook the Arepas:
   • Heat a bit of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the arepas. Cook until golden brown, about 7 minutes per side.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
   • Once cooked, transfer the arepas to a plate and top them with avocado smash for a creamy, tangy contrast. Enjoy your creation!

At the end of the lesson, their teacher, who grew up making arepas with her family, shared her personal tricks and tips with the students. She revealed how to get the perfect texture and how to make the dough just right, which made the students feel even more connected to the recipe and the experience. They were excited to learn these tips from someone with firsthand knowledge, and it really brought our cooking adventure full circle.