A food press for pressing plantains has a base having an arcuate-shaped side, a press support connected to the base, a pressing mechanism having a first end, a second end, a pressing surface and a handle, the first end of the pressing mechanism being operably connected to the press support, a press plate in communication with the pressing surface of the pressing mechanism, and a food retaining base plate having a first side containing a plurality of edible material recesses, the food retaining base plate having an arcuate-shaped portion where the arcuate-shaped portion is configured to mate with the arcuate-shaped side of the base and positioned to substantially align with the press plate.