You can skip the cheese and make plain arepas to stuff with your favorite fillings, such as shredded beef or pork or avocado and beans. Form patties that are 3-inches wide and 1/2-inch-thick and cook according to directions. When the arepas are cool enough to handle, use a thin serrated knife to slice a third of the way through each arepa. Then use the knife tip to cut open the center of each to form a pocket, taking care to keep the sides intact. Wipe down the knife between cuts to remove any sticky cornmeal. Then stuff with the fillings of your choice.