Cooking Class: Arepas! Stuffed with Flavor, Filled with Joy, & Gluten Free at Maricel’s Kitchen – East Brunswick, NJ

Class Title: Arepas! A Venezuelan Cooking Experience with Chef Carla

Take a flavorful trip to Venezuela—no passport required! In this fun and interactive cooking class, Chef Carla will be your warm and welcoming guide as you learn to make authentic arepas, the beloved cornmeal patties that are a staple of Venezuelan cuisine.

Arepas are naturally gluten-free, vegetarian-friendly, and endlessly customizable. Golden and crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, these handheld delights can be stuffed with just about anything—and in this class, you’ll try some of Venezuela’s most iconic fillings.

What You’ll Experience:

• Learn the traditional method for mixing and shaping perfect arepa dough using just cornmeal, water, and salt.
• Master the art of cooking arepas to get that golden crust and fluffy center.
• Create 6 mini or 3 full-size arepas—perfect for trying a variety of fillings.

Explore authentic Venezuelan fillings like:

Reina Pepiada – a creamy and zesty mix of shredded chicken and avocado

Carne Mechada – savory, slow-cooked shredded beef packed with flavor

Perico – vibrant scrambled eggs with tomato and onion

Ham & Cheese – melty, comforting, and kid-approved

Whip up homemade dipping sauces like garlic aioli or guasacaca (Venezuelan avocado sauce) to drizzle over your creations.

Throughout the class, Chef Carla will share personal stories and cultural insights, connecting you to the roots of these soulful street food staples. You’ll walk away with new skills, recipes to recreate the magic at home, and a deeper appreciation for Venezuelan food culture.

No experience needed. All ingredients, equipment, and guidance are provided. Just bring your appetite, your friends, and your favorite drink to sip while you cook.

Come hungry. Leave inspired.

If you are redeeming a gift certificate, please call or text us at 732-497-2698 to reserve your place. You can also email us at info@maricelskitchen.com

Hands on Cooking made Fun and Easy!

Discover the Joy of Cooking with Maricel’s Classes – Fun, Easy, and Interactive!

Duration & Format: Dive into 2.5 hours of engaging, hands-on cooking. Perfect for any experience level, from beginners to seasoned chefs.

Interactive Learning: Experience the excitement of learning and applying new flavors and techniques. Our classes are fully interactive, ensuring you’re both learning and doing.

Enjoy Your Creations: After cooking, take a seat and relish the meals you’ve crafted. It’s a rewarding opportunity to taste your own creations.

Take-Home Delights: Not only will you enjoy your meal in class, but there’ll also be plenty of food to take home and enjoy later.

Refreshments Included: Soft drinks are on us! Feel free to BYOB if you like..

Dietary Accommodations: Have specific dietary needs? Let us know in advance. We’re here to make sure your cooking experience meets your personal requirements.

Join us at Maricel’s Classes for an easy, enjoyable cooking journey. Cooking is made simple and delightful for everyone!

Grateful for 5-Star Reviews: Cooking, Friendship, and Gratitude

Chef’s Tables, Catering, Cooking Classes, Team Building, and Speciality Events

Maricel’s Kitchen is New Jersey’s premier culinary experience destination and can cater to all your culinary needs and is a unique culinary venue in New Jersey.

Elevate Your Special Occasions: Planning a wedding, corporate team building, intamate affair, group outing, or a special celebration? Let Maricel’s Kitchen elevate your event, promising an unforgettable culinary experience.Our Chef’s Table events offers an intimate and exclusive culinary experience; click here to check the upcoming schedule.Our diverse cooking classes include Filipino, Thai, Korean, Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese, Vegetarian, Keto, Gluten Free, Baking, and more. Click here for schedule.

Culinary Innovation and Tradition: Maricel’s passion for cooking shines through every dish served and taught. Her expertise ensures that each meal is not just prepared, but is crafted with the utmost care, celebrating the rich tapestry of cultures and tastes.

Book Your Event Today: Contact Maricel’s Kitchen at (732) 497-2698 to discuss how we can make your next event spectacular with our top-tier culinary offerings.

Let Maricel’s Kitchen be the heart and soul of your next event, where tradition meets culinary innovation—right here in New Jersey.

Give the Gift of Gourmet with a Gift Card

Gift the joy of culinary exploration with Maricel’s Kitchen gift cards! Perfect for any occasion, these cards can be used across our services:

• Cooking Classes: Hands-on lessons in diverse cuisines.
• Chef’s Table Events: Exclusive dining experiences.
• Catering Services: Customizable menus for any event.
• Maricel’s Retail: Unique culinary products.

We offer both physical gift cards available for purchase in-store and digital gift cards that can be bought online by following this link.Redeem Your Gift Card: To use your gift card for cooking classes or any of our services, please call us at (732) 497-2698 or email info@maricelskitchen.com to manually reserve your spot.

Yes, We Do Private Cooking Classes!

Discover a unique and enjoyable way to celebrate or collaborate with Maricel’s Kitchen private cooking classes. Whether it’s for corporate team building, board meetings, sales meetings, bachelorette parties, birthdays, anniversaries, or any special gathering, our private classes provide a memorable and interactive experience.

• Event Types: Ideal for corporate events, celebrations, or just a fun gathering.
• Group Size: Accommodating groups from 10 to 30 participants.
• Customizable Menus: Tailor-made menus to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.

Private cooking classes at Maricel’s Kitchen are the perfect blend of fun and creativity for any occasion! Call us at (732) 497-2698 or email info@maricelskitchen.com to discuss your event.

‍ Meet Chef Carla — Artist, Baker, and Proud Venezuelan Flavor Guide

If you’ve ever dreamed of turning simple ingredients into edible works of art, Chef Carla is here to guide you. As the founder of Busy Bee Creations Cakes, Carla has become one of the most sought-after bakers in the region—known for her stunning custom cakes, hand-decorated cookies, and cupcakes that are almost too beautiful to eat… until you do.

But behind the artistry is a heart rooted in heritage. Born and raised in Venezuela, Chef Carla brings with her the bold, joyful, and comforting flavors of her childhood. From golden arepas to tropical guava fillings and creamy condensed milk frostings, her dishes are infused with the spirit and soul of Latin America.

Whether she’s teaching how to bake picture-perfect cookies or how to make authentic Venezuelan arepas, Carla leads with heart. Her classes are approachable, welcoming, and full of flavor—perfect for beginners and experienced bakers alike.

With years of experience and a joyful teaching style, Chef Carla makes even the most complex techniques feel simple and fun. She’s not just here to show you how to bake—she’s here to remind you that you can bake, decorate, and celebrate with confidence.

In every class, she shares not just tips and recipes, but stories—about her family, her country, and the dishes that bring people together.

Come learn from a true artist whose creations are as soulful as they are stunning—and take home more than just delicious treats.

Check out Busy Bee Creations Cakes

Don’t miss out – classes fill up fast ️Book Your Tickets Now!