Caramelized Plantains

My mom used to make this and served them with fresh cheese (queso campesino).

INGREDIENTS

(8 servings)

4 ripe plantains (yellow skins with black spots)
4 oz panela o piloncillo (sugarcane juice)
4 cinnamon sticks
8 cloves whole
2 cups of water
The juice and the peel of one lime
8 oz fresh cheese (optional)

DIRECTIONS

Peel and cut the plantains in 4 to 6 pieces each. Put in a pot the water, panela, cinnamon, cloves, lime juice and the plantains. Bring to a boil, cover and let them simmer for 25 minutes in low heat.

Serve in pretty bowls, garnish with lemon peel, and accompany with fresh cheese on the side.