Baked Plantains

Note: Choose fully ripe but firm plantains with skin that is a mottled yellow and black.

Heat oven to 350 degrees F.

Prepare the plantains: Peel carefully, and wrap each one separately in wax paper or parchment paper that has been brushed with melted butter. Arrange on cookie sheet.

Bake the plaintains: Place cookie sheet in preheated oven. Bake 45 minutes; after the first 15 minutes, turn over each plantain to promote even cooking.

Cook the bacon: While plantains are baking, fry bacon slices until crisp, drain on paper towel, and crumble. Set aside.

Finish the plaintains: When plantains are done, remove from oven, unwrap, and allow to cool just slightly so they can be handled. Slice each one in half, and immediately sprinkle with cheese, which quickly begins to melt. Top with crumbled bacon.