Cunape (cheese balls)

by Jin Yoo-Kim
(Los Angeles, CA)

In English and in Spanish (below). I've tried this so many times and it works! It's also tasty too.

1 Cup Yucca Starch (you can get these in latin mkts)
1 Round (3 cups) of Mexican cheese like Queso Fresco
1 egg
SALT, Water, and milk, as needed.

Preheat oven to 305 degrees.

Crumble the cheese into a big mixing bowl (it should crumble easily) and add the yucca starch and egg and a pinch of salt. Knead it with your hands until you have a dough-like consistency. At this point, if it's too dry, you can add some milk or water.

Make them into little balls and insert your thumb into the bottom to make a hole in the bottom (this helps for it to not stick to your pan). Place them on top of a non stick pan or a floured pan. Let it sit for 15 minutes.

Place them in the oven between 15-20 minutes.

Do one batch first. If it comes out too cheesy, then add more starch.


Cuñape:
1 taza de almidón de yuca
3 tazas de queso fresco
1 huevo
Leche o agua si es necesario (si está muy seco)

Rayar el queso, mezclar con el almidón de yuca y agregar el huevo batido. La consistencia debe ser blanda haga unas bolitas haciéndoles un pequeño hueco con el dedo por debajo y póngalas en una bandeja para hornear. Deje quince minutos. Ponga en horno caliente por 20 mins.