Caramelized Plantain Cupcakes With A Chocolate Hazelnut Cream Cheese Frosting Recipes

CANDIED-HAZELNUT CUPCAKES

Steps:

• Using an offset spatula, spread frosting over each cupcake. Cupcakes can be refrigerated up to 3 days in airtight containers; bring to room temperature and top with caramel-dipped hazelnuts just before serving.
• Caramel-Dipped Hazelnuts
• Gently insert pointed end of a long wooden skewer into the side of each hazelnut. Place a cutting board along the edge of a counter-top; place newspaper on the floor, directly under cutting board.
• Prepare an ice-water bath. Heat sugar and the water in a heavy saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until sugar is dissolved and syrup is clear. Stop stirring; cook until syrup comes to a boil, washing down sides of pan with a wet pastry brush to prevent crystals from forming. Continue to boil, gently swirling occasionally, until medium amber. Plunge pan into ice bath to stop the cooking; let stand until thickened, about 10 minutes. (To test: Dip a skewer in caramel and lift a few inches; if a thick drip slowly forms and holds a string, the caramel is ready.)
• Dip a skewered hazelnut into caramel, letting excess drip back into pan. When dripping syrup becomes a thin string, secure opposite end of skewer under cutting board. Repeat with remaining hazelnuts. (If caramel hardens before all hazelnuts have been dipped, rewarm it over low heat.) Let stand until caramel string has hardened, about 5 minutes; break each string to desired length. Carefully remove skewers. Candied hazelnuts should be used the same day; store, uncovered, at room temperature until ready to serve cupcakes.

CARAMELIZED PLANTAINS

Steps:

• Peel plantains and cut crosswise into 1/4-inch pieces. Place in an oven-safe bowl and add 1/4 cup sugar, lemon juice, and cinnamon. Stir to coat plantain slices, cover, and place in the refrigerator for 2 hours.
• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
• Place covered bowl in the oven and bake for 25 minutes.
• Grease a cookie sheet and sprinkle coconut in a thin layer, to allow for even toasting. Place cookie sheet in the oven and continue to bake plantains until coconut is lightly browned, 5 to 7 minutes more. Remove both dishes from the oven.
• Portion plantains into bowls. Sprinkle plantains with a thick layer of sugar and use a cooking torch to caramelize the sugar. Top with toasted coconut and serve warm.

CARAMELIZED PLANTAINS

Steps:

• In a 9-inch skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sugar and cook, stirring, until the syrup is a light caramel color, about 2 minutes.
• Add the plantains, tossing to coat, and cook until tender, about 3 minutes. Add the apple juice and boil 1 minute, or until thickened slightly. Stir in the cinnamon and remove from the heat.
• Divide the plantains among 4 dessert plates and spoon the juices over each.