Fried Plantains

1. Cut both ends off the plantains. Slit the skin vertically from end to end in several places and remove the peels with a knife.

2. Slice the plantains vertically in thin strips or diagonally in thick chunks. Season them with salt, pepper and cinnamon.

3. Heat vegetable oil or butter in a large skillet on the stove. Wait for the oil to get hot, and lay the plantain pieces in the skillet.

4. Fry the plantains for about 15 minutes, or until both sides are golden. Remove the plantains from the skillet, drain them on a paper towel and allow them to cool before eating.

Baked Plantains

1. Peel the plantains by cutting off both ends. Slit the skin vertically from end to end in several places and remove the peels with a knife. Slice the plantains in thin, vertical strips.

2. Line a baking sheet with foil for an easy clean-up. Lay the sliced plantains on the baking sheet. Brush the slices with butter or olive oil and season them with cinnamon, nutmeg, brown sugar and salt.

3. Bake the plantains at 400 degrees Fahrenheit and check them after 30 minutes. Baked plantains are finished when they're golden brown and the brown sugar has caramelized.

Grilled Plantains

1. Choose ripe plantains. Lay them on a hot grill whole with the skins on. Cover the grill.

2. Check the plantains and watch for the skins to rupture. Taste them to determine if they're ready or continue cooking until the flavor is to your liking.

3. Remove plantains from the grill with tongs. Allow them to cool. Peel the skins, slice and eat.