Step 1

To make the arepas: Combine the masarepa, warm water, cinnamon and sugar, mixing thoroughly. Let mixture stand for five minutes.

Step 2

Knead with your hands for about 3 minutes, moistening your hands with water as you work.

Step 3

Form 6 small balls with the dough. Place each ball between 2 plastic bags and with a flat pot cover, flatten to ¼ inch.

Step 4

Heat the vegetable oil in a large heavy pot to 350 F. Add the arepas in the heated oil one by one, fry for 3 minutes, turning over once about half way through.

Step 5

Using a slotted spoon, carefully remove the arepas from the oil and drain on paper towels and sprinkle with sugar. Set aside.

Step 6

Place the butter in a skillet and melt over medium-high heat. Add a pinch of salt. Add the apples and sprinkle with the sugar and cinnamon and cook, stirring often, until slightly softened, about 2 minutes.

Step 7

Reduce the heat to moderately low, add the water and cook until the apples are almost cooked through and the sugar has melted and is coating the apples in a light syrup.

Step 8

To assemble: Place the arepas on a platter and top them with the apples and vanilla ice cream.