Homesick...Oh so homesick!

Today I saw a video online that made me incredibly homesick. I have been blessed with amazing traveling experiences and even though some of those places have taken my breath away- there is nothing better than to be at home. For me home is Medellin, Colombia. There are so many things I could share with you about my country that it would be endless. What I can tell you is that the people there are always willing to party and lend a hand when needed, the food is amazing, there are many beautiful places to visit, music of all kinds and traditions that will always be alive.

Colombia

 

Thankfully I live in a city that is flooded with Colombians so I have access to a lot of the typical foods- not to mention what we make at home. One thing that is a must in this- or any- Colombian house though is the arepa. Now, many people try to translate this to a corn flatbread or patty but in my book there is no other word than what it is.. Arepa. This versatile food is made of ground maize dough and it can be baked, fried or grilled. It is a staple in every Colombian house. We can practically eat this as breakfast, snack, lunch and dinner. They can be small, large, cut in pieces, stuffed.. you get the point. I want to share with you some of my favorite things to put on it and even though some may sound a little bizarre- they end up being oh so delish!

Cooked Arepa

Breakfast:
~Scrambled eggs, cheese and ketchup- pile it up but before you do make sure you put butter on it
~Calentao- whatever you had the night before (chicken, beef and even fish) mix it with rice, throw an egg into the mix and boom!
~Ham, cheese and crackers with any flavor jelly
~Butter and salt. Simple and to the point.

Lunch/Dinner:
~Tuna- mix a can of tuna with ketchup, mayo, pepper. Butter the arepa, add cheese then spread the tuna, add some avocado -- fire!
~Cheese, ham, fried egg, and a big slice of pineapple.. heaven.
~Shrimp- defrost, cook. Mix with mayo and ketchup. Butter, cheese, pile on the shrimp and dive in
~Ketchup and lime. Say what? yes.. if you are using it as a side dish, get a small plate, drop some ketchup and lime.. mix it. Break off a piece of arepa and dip it in there.
~Shredded beef. Enough said... any style will go good on top.
~Pork cooked with fruit.. the next day. Yum...

Dessert:
~Condensed milk. Yes.. I took it there.

**Note: they usually come frozen if you buy them at the store, so you need that little contraption you see above. Set on high heat and place arepa on one side until it starts to change color. DO NOT walk away because it can burn!. Flip it to the other side and repeat process. If you like it crispy, just flip it for a little longer.

Ok so I think you get my point here. Give them a try, there are plenty of recipes online on how to make them with flour if that is all you have available. If making them is too hard, find them in your local market and even online. Have fun, you can pretty much put anything on these.

~Enjoy!