2 cups masarepa, precooked corn meal
2 cups hot water
1/4 tsp salt
2 tbsp butter; softened, divided
1 tbsp butter; for cooking

1. In a medium bowl mix the masarepa, water, salt and butter.

2. Knead with your hands for about 3 minutes moistening your hands with water as you work.

3. Form 6 small balls with the dough.

4. Put a ball of dough in the center of a patecone or tortilla press covered with plastic wrap and flatten to approx 1/3 inch thickness and a 5 inch diameter. You can also put the ball of dough between two pieces of plastic wrap and flatten it with a small saucepan.

5. Add butter to a skillet over medium heat. Place the arepas in the skillet and cook about 4 minutes on each side, until a crust forms or until they are golden brown.