Columbian Arepas*
Dana and I have made a point of joining book groups, hiking groups and taking courses in the five places visited on our adventure. It is a good way to get to know local people, make friends and find out about the hidden delights of where we visit.
In Santa Barbara, I am taking conversational Spanish and Dana is taking cooking classes. Last night the menu for Dana’s class included:
Columbian Arepas
Chile Verde Mexican Style
Chile Rellenos
Mexican Rice
Peruvian Beans
Tomatillo-Morita Salsa
Nopales Salad
Peruvian Rice Pudding
Cafe de Olla
We thought you would enjoy these images of the process and the delicious product.
Chile Verde
Chili and cheese stuffing
Deep frying the relleno
Chili Rellenos
Peruvian Beans
Nopales (Prickly Pear Cactus) Salad
Peruvian Rice Pudding
La Cena (The Dinner)
And Dana brought home the left-overs so I get to sample everything. Deelish!
*Columbian Arepas are Columbian style cornbread with cheese.
MedFlies 
Wow … my taste buds are on high alert! Want some … NOW
We’ll have to FedEx them.
You guys are an inspiration! I love how you just jump right in and avail yourselves of the local culture and everything that interests you! Sounds like you are really enjoying your Santa Barbara journey. Is it different from when you lived there before?
Also, the food looks DIVINE! My mouth is watering!!!
So glad you are here enjoying the adventure with us. As far as the difference…many things are familiar but our attitude is different as we are now retired. When we lived here for twelve years, we were both working. Though we are not ready to join the Lawn Bowls Club, we do take life a little easier. We have the time to chat with people and visit the places we might not have seen or experienced when we lived here eight years ago.
OMG, so delicious looking. I am lusting for all of it.
You guys really know how to settle into a community. We once took cooking lessons in New Orleans, it is a fun thing to do.
Thanks for the entertaining blog!
I love this cuisine. We went to an excellent neighborhood Italian restaurant the other night ‘Ca Dario. It was terrific. Santa Barbara has many good restaurants. There is a Peruvian one we want to try. I am planning on going to Peru in June with my Spanish class from Santa Fe Community College.
Yummy! Jill are those your cool silver nails?
Nope. It’s one of Dana’s classmates.