While some of my peers woke up to the smell of bacon, eggs and toast on Saturdays, my parents greeted us with the comforting aroma of a traditional Colombian breakfast: flavorful huevos pericos, cheesy arepas and rich hot chocolate. For my dad, cooking is more than just a daily task. It’s an expression of love—a way he shows his care and even a means of reconnecting with my mom as they work together to prepare and plate each meal. “What inspires me to cook is the love for my family and the memory of my Colombian roots, along with its delicious traditional dishes,” he said. “I also love being able to share our delicious cuisine with other cultures.” These Saturday mornings were more than just meals. They were cherished family gatherings where we shared the latest news and talked about our plans for the week ahead. While we didn’t have the opportunity to visit Colombia and experience its delicious cuisine firsthand, my parents ensured that our home was filled with the flavors of their heritage, instilling in us a deep appreciation for our culture and the importance of family unity.
Ingredients (Cheesy Arepas)
• 2 cups of water
• 2 cups of corn flour
• 1 teaspoon of cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon of baking powder
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• ½ small teaspoon of sugar
• Butter to taste
• Mozzarella cheese to taste
Directions
Mix all cheesy arepas ingredients together in a large bowl. Knead until well combined and a soft dough forms. Form dough into balls the size of a mandarin. Place each ball between two sheets of plastic wrap and flatten with a rolling pin to the desired thickness. Spray a griddle with cooking spray and set over medium-high heat. Working in batches, cook arepas on the hot griddle until golden brown, about five minutes per side. Serve immediately.
“My parents ensured that our home was filled with the flavors of their heritage.”
Wendy Rodriguez
Ingredients (Huevos Pericos)
• 2 Eggs
• Chopped green onion
• Chopped tomato to taste
• Olive oil
• Salt to taste
Directions
Crack the eggs into a bowl. Beat eggs with a fork for a minute. Heat up a skillet over medium heat with olive oil. Then add the tomatoes and scallions/green onions. Cook the tomatoes and scallions for a few minutes, then add the eggs. Mix. Let the eggs sit for a few seconds then use a spatula to gently lift the cooked eggs from the bottom of the skillet, letting the runny part coat the bottom. Continue until all the eggs are cooked. This should take around five minutes.
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