Savory, smoky and slightly sweet, these are great with roast pork loin, a hearty bowl of black bean soup or barbecued chicken legs and coleslaw. Dotted with creme fraiche, they make an exotic appetizer.

Makes 5 servings, 2 cakes each

ACTIVE TIME: 20 minutes

TOTAL TIME: 30 minutes

EASE OF PREPARATION: Easy

3/4 cup yellow cornmeal
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4-1/2 teaspoon ground chipotle chile (see Ingredient note) or cayenne pepper
1 1/4 cups roughly mashed bananas (about 3 medium)
1 large egg
2 tablespoons milk or buttermilk
2 tablespoons canola oil, divided

1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Coat a baking sheet with cooking spray.
2. Whisk cornmeal, flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon and chipotle (or cayenne) in a medium bowl. Mix banana, egg and milk (or buttermilk) in another medium bowl. Add the cornmeal mixture to the banana mixture and stir until just incorporated.
3. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium; using 2 tablespoons of batter for each, space 5 fritters evenly in the pan. Cook until golden brown, 30 seconds to 2 minutes per side. Transfer to the prepared baking sheet. Cook a second batch with the remaining oil and batter, adjusting heat to prevent burning.
4. Transfer the fritters to the oven and bake until puffed and firm to the touch, 8 to 10 minutes.

NUTRITION INFORMATION: Per serving: 243 calories; 8 g fat (1 g sat, 4 g mono); 43 mg cholesterol; 41 g carbohydrate; 5 g protein; 4 g fiber; 326 mg sodium.

Nutrition bonus: Fiber (16% daily value).

3 Carbohydrate Servings

Exchanges: 1 fruit, 1 1/2 starch

TIP: Ingredient Note: Chipotle peppers are dried, smoked jalapeno peppers, often used to add heat and a smoky flavor to foods. Ground chipotle can be found in the specialty-spice section of most supermarkets.

MAKE AHEAD TIP: Reheat at 350°F for 15 to 20 minutes.

These were great, I made them in a nonstick pan with PAM and omitted the oil. I also used whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose white. They are were great leftover for breakfast. You may want to add a little sugar, splenda, or honey if you like things sweeter.

Hillary, Pittsburgh, PA