Fried Masa Cakes with Cheese (Arepas de Queso)

Ingredients

• 1.5 cups arepa flour white (precooked cornmeal)
• 2.5 cups milk 
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese grated
• 1 teaspoon salt 
• 1 tablespoon sugar 
• 0.3 cup butter unsalted cut into pieces
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 

Equipment

• bowl
• frying pan
• sauce pan

Directions

1. Bring milk to a simmer in a small saucepan, then remove from heat and stir in butter.
2. Combine arepa flour, salt, sugar, and mozzarella in a large bowl.
3. Add hot milk and stir until combined.
4. Let mixture stand until milk is absorbed enough for a soft dough to form, 1 to 2 minutes (dough will continue to stiffen).
5. Form dough into 12 balls (about 2 inches in diameter) and flatten between palms into 3 1/2- to 4-inch patties (about 1/3 inch thick).
6. Heat ‚ tablespoon oil in a large nonstick skillet over moderately low heat until hot, then cook 3 or 4 arepas until cooked through and golden in patches, 6 to 8 minutes on each side. Make more arepas in same manner, adding oil as needed.