Arepas de Queso (Cheese Cornmeal Patties)

Ingredients:

• 1 cup pre-cooked white or yellow arepa flour (also known as P.A.N.)*
• 1 cup warm water
• 1/3 cup mozzarella cheese, grated
• 2 tbsp butter, softened
• Pinch salt

Directions:

1. Mix the P.A.N. with the warm water, grated cheese, salt and half of the butter. Let stand for five minutes.
2. Knead for 3 minutes (moisten your hands with a little bit of water if you need to). Shape the dough into four small balls and place between two large sheets of plastic wrap. Flatten each ball with your hands (Erica recommends using the bottom of a pot). Each bread should be about a quarter inch thick.
3. Put the rest of the butter in a large pan and melt over medium heat. Working in batches, cook each bread about 3 minutes on both sides, until they form a crust and start to turn a golden color (Note: don't be impatient. If you try to turn them too soon, they will fall apart.).