Objective: Plan a Cooking Day Party: Arepas Edition
Overview
Plan a festive cooking day with family to make delicious arepas together. This guide outlines everything needed for a successful and fun cooking day, along with recipes, schedule, and preparation for the holiday season.
Arepa Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 cups pre-cooked cornmeal (arepa flour)
- 2 cups warm water
- 1 tsp salt
- Butter for frying
Instructions:
- Mix Dough: In a bowl, combine the pre-cooked cornmeal and salt. Gradually add the warm water, mixing until you achieve a soft, doughy consistency.
- Let it Rest: Allow the dough to rest for about 10-15 minutes to hydrate.
- Shape Arepas: Divide the dough into equal portions (about 6-8). Roll each portion into a sphere and then flatten into a disc shape, about ½ inch thick.
- Cook Arepas: Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat. Cook arepas for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Serve Hot: Cut open and fill with your favorite toppings (see ideas below).
Suggested Toppings for Arepas
Breakfast:
- Scrambled eggs
- Chicken and mayonaise
- Butter
Lunch:
- Chicken salad
- Sautéed vegetables
- Cheese
Dinner:
- Butter
- Queso fresco
- Grilled steak
Planning the Day
Total Time for Arepas:
- Preparation: 30 minutes
- Cooking: 30-45 minutes for all batches
- Total Time: Approximately 1.5-2 hours
Schedule:
- 10:00 AM: Gather ingredients and set up the cooking area.
- 10:15 AM: Mix dough together; guests can help with this!
- 10:30 AM: Let the dough rest while the skillet is preheating.
- 10:45 AM: Shape the arepas together; guests can smoosh the dough into forms.
- 11:00 AM: Begin cooking arepas.
- 11:30 AM: Enjoy arepas with toppings for Sunday brunch.
Cost for the Meetup at Home
- Ingredients for Arepas (Serves 4-6):
- White cornmeal: $3
- Cheese: $4 (for toppings)
- Various toppings: $10 (estimate)
- Total food costs: $17
- Decor and Supplies:
- Tableware (plates, napkins): $10
- Additional drinks/snacks: $15
- Total decor and supplies: $25
- Total Cost for the Meetup: $42
Family Checklist For Baking Arepas – Assign / Delegate
- [ ] Confirm participation for holiday baking day
- [ ] Buy ingredients for arepas and toppings
- [ ] Gather kitchen supplies (mixing bowls, utensils)
- [ ] Prepare festive decorations and music
- [ ] Plan and purchase snacks and drinks for the day
- [ ] Create a list of holiday gifts to buy
- [ ] Schedule time to decorate the Christmas tree
- [ ] Organize a space for guests to enjoy the cooking
This plan ensures a delightful baking day filled with fun, family bonding, and delicious food, all while setting the stage for an enjoyable holiday season!aking with family.