Recipe: Caramel flan

Caramel flan √

Serves 6.

Note: From Kim Ode.

• 2 tbsp. water

• 1/2 c. sugar

• 1 tbsp. light corn syrup

• 3 egg yolks, room temperature

• 2 eggs, room temperature

• 1 1/2 c. low-fat milk (1 or 2 percent)

• 1 (14-oz.) can sweetened condensed milk

• 1 tsp. vanilla extract

Directions

Adjust an oven rack to the middle position and preheat to 325 degrees. Place a double layer of paper towels in the bottom of a 9-by-13-inch pan, then arrange six (6-ounce) ramekins or other glass baking dishes in the pan without letting them touch each other.

For the caramel: Pour the water in a small, heavy saucepan, then pour the sugar into the center of the pan. Add the corn syrup and gently stir just to moisten the sugar. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and cook without stirring until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is clear. Reduce heat to medium-low and continue to cook until it begins to look golden. This will take about 3 minutes. As the mixture continues to cook and darken, swirl or stir gently so it caramelizes evenly. When it's a dark amber, quickly divide the caramel among the six ramekins. (You can eyeball this; they don't need to be perfect.)

Let the caramel cool and harden.

For the custard: In a medium bowl, combine the egg yolks and eggs, whisking to thoroughly combine, but not so vigorously that the eggs become frothy; this keeps bubbles from forming in the custard. Whisk in the milk, sweetened condensed milk and vanilla until well-mixed. For the smoothest flan, pour the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer into a 4-cup measure or another bowl. Divide custard evenly among the ramekins.

Being careful not to splash water into the ramekins, pour enough hot (not boiling) water into the pan to reach halfway up the sides.

Bake the flans for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the centers look just set. Remove dishes from water bath and cool completely on a wire rack.

Wrap each in plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight, or up to 48 hours.

To serve, run a knife around each dish to loosen the flan. Place a small plate over the top and flip over to release the flan onto the plate. (Some caramel will remain in the ramekin. Fill with hot water to soak.) Garnish with fresh fruit, if desired, and serve.

Nutrition information per serving:

Calories340Fat10 gSodium140 mg

Carbohydrates52 gSaturated fat5 gCalcium280 mg

Protein11 gCholesterol180 mgDietary fiber0 g

Diabetic exchanges per serving: 1 milk, 2½ other carb, ½ medium-fat meat, 1½ fat.