Housesitting is quite fabulous. Especially since I finally saw the sun (for a few minutes) yesterday. I think that means today will be warm, beautiful and bright. I’ve gotten in plenty of reading and am off on four or five different crafting adventures (yes, there will be pictures soon). I thought I’d pop in to let you know I’m alive, remind everyone of the Canning Linkup, Round 3 that JamieAnne and I will be hosting on Monday (check out round 1 and round 2 for some tutorials, and get ready to join us with any canning-related post you may have!) and to post about my adventures in making Arepas.
Arepas, you ask? They are like a cross between cornbread and polenta and are made from masa harina–gluten-free, for those who are so inclined. Basically, I wanted an excuse to use the cast iron pan I have access to this weekend.
Round 1: I followed the recipe from The Thirteenth Diet, although I couldn’t exactly “roll out” the dough, as it is the texture of, well, a sticky mess (if you’ve ever made polenta from scratch, you know what I’m talking about). There was pretty much no taste to this, which was okay enough since I ate it will a bowl of tasty tex-mex tofu scramble (a.k.a. tofu scramble with black beans, bell pepper and fajita seasoning).
Round 2: I added lime juice, lime zest, tons of chili powder and cumin, and doubled the baking powder. Much better. The texture of these arepas was fantastic. I left them thicker, so the outside was crispy and the inside was like soft and warm polenta. This recipe will be a great polenta-substitute throughout the winter (especially since I have about 5 lbs more masa flour to go through…).
Good to hear you are having a great time! I have never heard of Arepas, but they seem so tasty! I like polenta, so I think I would like these too. Cumin and chilli really can make recipes much better! I can´t wait to see your crafting adventures
That’s great your enjoying house sitting! It’s always fun to experiment cooking new things, although I do hate cleaning the pan hehehe
You always make such interesting food! Enjoy the housesitting. There’s something almost giddy about being in someone’s house when they’re not there… Can’t wait to see your new crafts!
I’m obsessed with anything with cornmeal/masa flour so I’m sure I would love arepas. Housesitting sounds like a lot of fun. Can’t wait to see your crafts!
Your arepas look really tasty!
Mind reader! I made some stuff with masa harina not too long ago! There is nothing quite like a well seasoned cast iron pan.
I have 5lbs of masa sitting in my cabinet as well. This recipe came at the right time I need to try it!
Yum. I love experimenting & I love when things turn out delicious
I’m glad house sitting is going well