Flan: A Sweet Symphony of Caramel and Custard
Welcome back to our Puerto Rican culinary adventure, where we're indulging in the creamy decadence of Flan - a dessert that's as elegant as it is irresistible! 🍮✨ Close your eyes and imagine yourself in a charming café in Old San Juan, where the air is filled with the sweet aroma of caramelized sugar and the sound of spoons tapping against delicate dessert dishes. Inspired by the sophistication and indulgence of Spanish colonial influence, Flan is a celebration of silky-smooth custard and rich caramel, a dessert fit for royalty.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 6 large eggs
- 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 can (12 ounces) evaporated milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a saucepan, heat granulated sugar over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it melts and turns into a golden caramel.
3. Quickly pour the caramel into the bottom of a 9-inch round cake pan, swirling to coat the bottom evenly. Be careful, as the caramel will be very hot!
4. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and vanilla extract until well combined.
5. Pour the egg mixture over the caramel in the cake pan.
6. Place the cake pan in a larger baking dish and fill the baking dish with hot water until it reaches halfway up the sides of the cake pan (this creates a water bath).
7. Carefully transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the flan is set and jiggles slightly in the center.
8. Remove from the oven and let cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until completely chilled.
9. To serve, run a knife around the edges of the flan to loosen it from the pan, then invert it onto a serving plate. The caramel will create a beautiful golden topping for the flan.
10. Slice and serve chilled, enjoying the silky-smooth texture and rich caramel flavor of this classic dessert.
Storytime: As you take your first spoonful of Flan, you're transported to a colonial-era courtyard in Old San Juan, where the air is filled with the sounds of Spanish guitar and the sweet scent of caramelized sugar. Each bite is a symphony of flavors - the creamy custard melting on your tongue, the rich sweetness of caramel, and the subtle hint of vanilla. It's a taste of history, a reminder of the rich cultural tapestry that defines Puerto Rican cuisine and the joy of indulging in a timeless dessert.
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Stay tuned for more culinary adventures and delicious recipes! Until next time, happy cooking! 🍮✨
