Chocolate Griddle Cakes with Bananas

1½ cups unbleached, all-purpose flour ½ cup cocoa powder, sifted ¾ teaspoon sea salt 1 teaspoon baking soda ¼ cup granulated sugar 1¼ cups buttermilk 3 large eggs 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled to room temperature ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted 2 teaspoons light brown sugar 2 to 3 firm bananas, each cut into 6 pieces

Nutritional information per serving (based on 12 servings): Calories 172 (39% from fat) • carb. 21g • pro. 5g • fat 8g • sat. fat 4g • chol. 69mg • sod. 269mg • calc. 38mg • fiber 1g

Preheat the Cuisinart® Griddler® Grill Centro, fitted with the griddle plate, to Medium. While the grill is preheating (about 10 minutes), combine the flour, cocoa powder, salt, baking soda, and granulated sugar in a medium bowl. Stir with a whisk to blend. Combine the buttermilk, eggs, 3 tablespoons of melted butter and vanilla extract. Whisk to combine. Add the buttermilk/egg mixture to the dry ingredients and stir until just blended. Do not overmix. Using a ¼- to ¹∕³-cup measure, drop batter onto the preheated griddle plate. Cook pancakes until bubbles form, about 3 to 4 minutes; flip and cook until done, about 3½ minutes longer. While the griddle cakes are cooking, prepare the bananas. In a small mixing bowl, mix the butter and light brown sugar together until well combined. Add bananas and toss to coat. Thread evenly onto skewers and fit as instructed below*.(these can cook concurrently with griddle cakes. Start them after the first round of cakes). Cook until just softened, about 10 to 15 minutes. Slice cooked bananas and serve on top of griddle cakes. For extra indulgence, dollop some freshly whipped cream and drizzle with chocolate sauce. *Using the kebab feature : Assemble the unit with the grill/griddle plate, kebab drawers, and drip cup in their proper positions. Note: grill/griddle plate must be on unit when using kebab feature. Please keep in mind that it is very hot when the unit is operating. Turn the temperature control dial to desired temperature and preheat for approximately 10 to 12 minutes. Prepare food according to your favorite kebab recipe and slide pieces onto skewers. Pull drawers to open. Place skewers into the skewer slots so the star-like shape at the end of each handle is inserted into a gear slot in the front end of the kebab drawer. Close drawer securely. Note: If using large cubes of meat or seafood, you may only be able to cook six kebabs at once. Press the kebab control switch to ON. The switch light will illuminate to let you know kebabs are rotating. To check to see if kebabs are cooked, press the kebab control switch to stop skewers from turning and remove a kebab with a potholder. If more time is needed replace the skewer and press the kebab control switch to resume cooking.