Recipes/Blog | La Arepa

Quesillo vs. Flan: What’s the Difference?

Quesillo is a classic Venezuelan dessert similar to flan but unique. Unlike flan, made with egg yolks and creamy texture, quesillo uses whole eggs, giving it a spongy texture with tiny holes. Both have milk and caramel, but quesillo’s texture and flavor variations make it special. Perfect for celebrations and gatherings. Order at least 24 hours in advance at any location and enjoy this authentic Venezuelan treat!

Recipe: Homemade Dulce de Leche

Enjoy the authentic Venezuelan sweetness with this classic recipe from Auntie Teresa. Ingredients: ½ cup milk powder 1 cup water Sugar Vanilla 1 lime Prunes Cloves Instructions: Blend milk powder, water, vanilla, and sugar. Pour into a saucepan on low heat. Squeeze lime over the mixture and cook without stirring much to let the milk separate. Add cloves and prunes once it boils. Stir gently and cook until mixture thickens. Savor the rich, classic flavor!

Hallaca: A Venezuelan Christmas Tradition

Hallaca is the centerpiece of Venezuelan Christmas, bringing family and friends together to prepare this cherished dish. Made from corn dough seasoned with chicken soup and dyed with annatto, it’s filled with a rich stew—at La Arepa, slow-cooked beef, pork tenderloin, and smoked bacon marinated with spices and red wine. Wrapped in banana leaves with olives, capers, raisins, and pickled vegetables, Hallaca is boiled and enjoyed as a symbol of family pride and heritage.

But let's learn how it is prepared.

Hallaca recipes vary across Venezuela: some use fish instead of meat, whole chicken, or marinated raw meat cooked longer. Fillings can include sweet pepper, almonds, chickpeas, black beans, potatoes, or hardboiled eggs. Regardless of variations, hallacas symbolize friendship and generosity, shared proudly beyond family. Everyone claims theirs are the best—mine have been popular both back home and here in Portland.

How is Hallaca Served?

Hallaca is a traditional Venezuelan Christmas dish served with festive sides like chicken salad and ham, fueling celebrations through the night. Its name reflects a blend of indigenous and Spanish origins, just like its ingredients—a cultural fusion created during colonization using leftovers. More than food, Hallaca is a symbol of Venezuelan pride and family tradition. At La Arepa, we’re honored to share this rich, flavorful heritage with you—you’ll want more than one bite.