Spice Island Plantain Bites

2 cloves of garlic, crushed (or pressed)
1 tablespoon of creamy peanut butter
1 teaspoon of fresh lime juice
1/4 teaspoon of salt
1/4 teaspoon of dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon of dried mint
1/8 teaspoon of ground allspice
1/8 teaspoon of cayenne
1/8 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper
3 medium-size ripe plantains, peeled and mashed
2 tablespoons of olive oil

Preheat the oven to 200 degrees F.

In a medium-size bowl, combine the garlic, the peanut butter, the lime juice, the salt, the oregano, the mint, the allspice, the cayenne and the pepper and blend into a paste.

Add the mashed plantains and mix until everything is well combined.

Shape the mixture into 1-inch balls, using about 1 tablespoon of the mixture for each.

Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Place the balls in the hot oil, in batches, and press down on them lightly with a metal spatula.

Fry, turning once, until the bites are golden brown on both sides.

Transfer the finished bites to a paper towel covered plate to drain, then place them in the warmed oven until all the bites are cooked.

Serve hot with your favorite salsa or with rice or by themselves.