In the Kitchen With SI Swimsuit: Dominican Arepas

We had the fortune of visiting the Dominican Republic this February thanks to our friends at Go Dominican Republic and Sublime Samana. We were treated to some of the most incredible food. Here's how you can get a taste of this tropical paradise in your own home.

Start or end your day with a Dominican Arepa. Arepas can come in many forms in Latin America, but the Dominican Arepa is dense, sweet and made from cornmeal and coconut. The cake is typically seasoned with cinnamon and raisins and is best served with a warm coffee. Have you tried sweet or savory Dominican arepa before?This recipe from Suellen Pineda will make your mornings so much more enjoyable.

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp flour
• 1 ½ cups cornmeal (masarepa)
• 1 13oz can coconut milk
• 3 cups milk
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter (plus more for greasing the baking dish)
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon pumpkin spice (optional)
• ½ cup raisins or craisins
• ¼ teaspoons salt

Directions:

-Preheat oven to 350ºF.

-Mix raisins with a tablespoon of flour and shake off excess. This will prevent raisins from sinking to the bottom of the cake. Reserve.

-In a large heavy bottom pot, mix all ingredients except raisins and vanilla.

-Whisk all together and cook over low heat until mixture has thickened, stirring constantly (about 5-7 minutes). Pay attention as the mixture will cook very fast.

-Fold in vanilla extract and raisins and remove from heat.

-Remove cinnamon sticks and pour mixture on previously greased baking dish and bake uncovered for about 45 minutes to an hour, or until a knife comes out clean.

-Serve at room temperature.