Fabulous Flan (With Variations)

Directions

1. 1
   Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. 2
   Place cinnamon stick and milk in a small saucepan over very low heat. This step is optional but gives a nice flavor.
3. 3
   Meanwhile, caramelize sugar: in a small heavy skillet (preferably non-stick) without stirring, heat the sugar over medium heat until it begins to melt. Cook and stir for 4 or 5 minutes or until the sugar turns a rich brown. Be careful not to burn. Remove skillet from heat and immediately pour caramelized sugar into a round 2 quart casserole or other appropriate dish. Holding dish with pot holders, quickly rotate dish so that the sugar coats the bottom and sides evenly. Set aside to cool.
4. 4
   Beat the eggs in a mixer or with a hand blender. Add condensed milk, evaporated milk, heated cinnamon milk and vanilla. Mix well. Pour into prepared casserole. Take a baking pan large enough to hold the casserole and add about 2 inches of very hot tap water or enough to come about 2/3 up the sides of the prepared pan. Place casserole in water, being careful not to let water into the flan mixture. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes or until a knife inserted in center comes out just barely clean i1/2 there should still be some bit of custard on it. Carefully remove casserole from water bath. Cool completely. Cover and refrigerate.
5. 5
   To unmold, loosen edges with a knife. Set the casserole dish in a bowl of hot water )being careful not to splash water into the flan) for about 2 minutes in order to loosen up the caramel. Invert into a serving platter with deep enough sides to contain the caramel.
6. 6
   Notes: For less fat, substitute low fat or fat free condensed milk and/or evaporated milk. This recipe works well in that you can reduce the eggs to 4 and still have a great custard. It needs some fat, so doni1/2t go all fat free and only 4 eggs. The key is a good balance. If you like a richer custard you can use up to 10 eggs.
7. 7
   If you prefer a firmer flan you can bake it without the water bath for about 35 to 40 minutes at 350°F It will cook quicker but won't be quite as creamy.
8. 8
   Coconut Flan: Prepare as above adding one can of cream of coconut. Use a 3 quart casserole.
9. 9
   Pumpkin Flan: Empty one 16 oz can pureed pumpkin into a saucepan. Add 1/2 tsp cinnamon, 1/2 tsp nutmeg and 1/4 tsp cloves (if desired). Cook, stirring frequently until the mixture is hot and slightly glossy, about 5 minutes. Add the pumpkin mixture to the egg custard as above and bake in a 3 quart casserole.
10. 10
    Chocolate Flan: Add 4 to 6 ounces of good melted chocolate to the custard mixture. The amount of chocolate depends on how chocolaty you want it.