| Classic Mexican Flan |
Relish in this classic Mexican dessert with a luscious vanilla cu... |
Mexican, Dessert, Custard, Caramel, Easy, Make-ahead, Baking |
{"title":"Classic Mexican Flan","description":"Relish in this classic Mexican dessert with a luscious vanilla custard topped with a smooth caramel glaze. This flan is indulgent yet straightforward to prepare, providing a wonderful make-ahead dessert for any occasion.","short_description":"A classic Mexican vanilla custard dessert topped with caramel.","full_ingredient_list":["\u00be cup granulated sugar","5 large eggs","1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk","1 (12-ounce) can evaporated milk","1 tablespoon vanilla extract"],"components":[{"name":"Flan","ingredients":[{"name":"granulated sugar","quantity":"\u00be cup","preparation_notes":"For caramel","substitutions":[]},{"name":"large eggs","quantity":"5","preparation_notes":"","substitutions":[]},{"name":"sweetened condensed milk","quantity":"1 (14-ounce) can","preparation_notes":"","substitutions":[]},{"name":"evaporated milk","quantity":"1 (12-ounce) can","preparation_notes":"","substitutions":[]},{"name":"vanilla extract","quantity":"1 tablespoon","preparation_notes":"","substitutions":[]}],"tools_and_equipment":["8-inch or 9-inch round cake pan","Blender","Fine mesh strainer (optional)"],"instructions":[{"step_number":1,"description":"Preheat the oven to 350\u00b0F.","tips":""},{"step_number":2,"description":"Add sugar and \u00bc cup of water to a medium saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the sugar dissolves. Increase to medium-high heat and cook until the mixture is golden.","tips":"Watch closely to prevent burning."},{"step_number":3,"description":"Pour the hot caramel into an 8-inch round cake pan, tilting to coat the bottom. Set aside to cool and harden.","tips":"Caramel is extremely hot; handle with care."},{"step_number":4,"description":"Combine eggs, condensed milk, evaporated milk, and vanilla extract in a blender. Blend on low until combined.","tips":"Let bubbles settle before proceeding."},{"step_number":5,"description":"Place the cake pan in a roasting pan. Pour the milk mixture over the caramel. Fill the roasting pan with 1 inch of hot water.","tips":"This water bath ensures even cooking."},{"step_number":6,"description":"Bake for 35 to 40 minutes until the center is set yet still wobbly. Cool on a wire rack.","tips":"Flan will continue to set as it cools."},{"step_number":7,"description":"To serve, run a knife around the edge and invert onto a serving dish. Chill if desired before serving.","tips":"For neat slices, use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts."}]}],"prep_time":"20 minutes","cook_time":"50 minutes","total_time":"1 hour 10 minutes","servings":"8 servings","tags":["Mexican","Dessert","Custard","Caramel","Easy","Make-ahead","Baking"],"notes":"Ensure you keep a close watch on the caramel as it cooks to prevent burning.","background":"Flan has its origins in the Roman Empire and became a notable dessert in Spain before it was introduced to Mexico, where it is a beloved dessert today.","nutrition":{"calories":"338 kcal","protein":"11g","fat":"11g","carbohydrates":"50g","fiber":"0g","sugar":"50g"},"serving_suggestions":"Serve chilled or at room temperature, optionally garnished with fresh mint or berries.","storage":"Store in the refrigerator covered with plastic wrap for up to 4 days. Not suitable for freezing.","dietary_info":["Contains eggs","Contains dairy"],"cooking_tips":["Use a wet pastry brush to clean off sugar crystals from the pan side.","Tap the cake pan to release air bubbles for a smooth custard."],"variations":["Try coconut milk for a tropical twist.","Add dissolved instant coffee for a coffee-flavored flan.","Mix in cream cheese for a richer texture."],"ingredient_spotlight":"Sugar is critical for the caramel glaze that coats the flan, providing a signature sweet flavor and glossy finish.","flavor_profile":{"sweet":8,"savory":0,"sour":1,"bitter":2,"umami":0},"geographic_region":"Latin America","seasonality":"Year-round","sustainability_score":{"score":85,"details":"Utilizes standard pantry ingredients with low environmental impact."},"occasion":"Suitable for family gatherings and festive events.","skill_level":"Intermediate","cost_estimate":10,"recommended_pairings":["Serve with a light dessert wine or Mexican coffee."]} |
