Sweet Plantains

Photo: flickr user Dana Moos, Realtor

Ingredients

2 ripe black plantains - (to 3)

5 tablespoons unsalted butter divided

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon natural vanilla extract

2 tablespoons brown sugar

Preparation

To peel the plantains, cut off ends and discard. With a paring knife, make 3 shallow slits lengthwise along the seams of the skin and peel away. Split the plantains lengthwise.

Heat 4 tablespoons butter in a large skillet and place over medium-low heat (plantains have a high sugar content and will burn if the heat is too high). Fry the plantains in a single layer, until golden on the bottom then turn over with a spatula. Add the cinnamon, vanilla, and sugar and let cook a few more seconds, just to begin caramelizing the sugar.

Just before serving, melt remaining tablespoon of butter to finish the sauce. Serve immediately.

This recipe yields 4 servings.