1. In a bowl mix the arepa flour with the salt. Stir in the water to make a rather stiff dough. Let the dough stand for 5 minutes, then form into balls flattened slightly to 3 inches wide and about 1/2 inch thick.
2. Cook on a heavy, lightly greased griddle over moderate heat for 5 minutes per side, then bake in a preheated 350ยบ. oven 20-30 minutes, turning during cooking. They are cooked when they sound hollow when tapped. Serve hot. Traditionally they are wrapped in a napkin and served in a straw basket.