El Flan: Mexican Caramel Custard Dessert

For something sweet, caramel and Mexican, dive into a Flan.

Flan is a Mexican custard dessert very popular in Spain and Mexico. The creation is the Spanish, Portuguese or Mexican version of Creme Caramel or Creme Brule.

It is a good dessert if you are watching your weight. Nutritiondata.com reports an average serving of Flan weighs in at just over 200 calories with about six grams of fat. Exact numbers and more information on nutrition facts can be found here.

The food is made by placing a ring shaped pan into a hot water bath. Once it is set, it is then taken out of the mold where it is ready to be served. The official definition of the food is a "crust with either a sweet or savory filling." When in the water bath, a crust is formed. It is then cooled and filled with a sweet custard filling.

Basic ingredients include whole eggs, vanilla extract and milk with a caramel coating. Many lovers of this dessert favor a simply organic vanilla extract. However, there are numerous alternatives including almonds, pistachio, lemon, and an assorted selection of other fruits.

Here are the specific measurements for the main ingredients necessary for making the Flan from http://www.gourmetsleuth.com/flan.htm:

1 3/4 cups whipping cream
1 cup milk (do not use low-fat or nonfat)
Pinch of salt
1/2 vanilla bean, split lengthwise

An in-depth explanation regarding the step-by-step process of making the Flan can be found here.

There is at least one restaurant in Tucson named Micha's del Norte where people can experience the flan for themselves. A Flan costs $3.50 here. Micha is located at 1220 E. Prince Road (Mountain and Prince). Click here to view the restaurant's website.