Mom's Flan Recipe

I remember a time period when I was younger, maybe about 10 years old, when my mom would bring this flan (or as she called it by it's fancy French name, creme caramel) to every family or friend gathering. It was tasty and looked pretty. Maybe it was a thing to do in the 90's, because my husband said his mom also went through a similar flan phase. Well, here is my mom's recipe. I made it for the first time yesterday when we had a few friends over and I had to get creative with things husband-who-just-had-wisdom-tooth-removed and guests could eat. Though it is a very simple and easy recipe, I was pretty nervous the entire time I made it. Worrying about the caramel sticking to the pan or the flan breaking while I flipped it. Came out great, though!  Like my mom says, it's a simple and easy recipe.

Mom's Flan aka Creme Caramel
Ingredients:

  • 2 c. sugar, divided
  • 6 eggs
  • 6 egg yolks
  • 5 c. whole milk
  • 1 tsp. orange liquor 
  • 1 pint fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced for decoration
Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees.  In a round 8" cake pan, pour 1 cup of sugar.  Bake sugar in oven until caramelized and brown.  This may take up to 20-30 minutes.  Check the caramel every 5 minutes to ensure even browning by swirling the melted areas with the unmelted sugar and ensure the sugar does not burn.
  2. Remove cake pan and allow to cool slightly.  In a large mixing bowl, combine rest of sugar, eggs, egg yolks, and milk.  Stir until well mixed, do not beat.
  3. Pour egg custard mixture into caramel pan.  Place the pan in another larger pan with water at least half way up the side of the cake pan (Make a water bath).  
  4. Bake at 320 degress for 45-60 minutes or until set.
  5. When ready to serve, flip the pan onto a large platter.  The residual caramel sauce will pour over the rest of the flan. Decorate with sliced strawberries.
Variations:
Kid friendly: Substitute vanilla or citrus zest for orange liquor
Tastier/non-calorie friendly: Substitute half and half or heavy cream for 2 cups of the whole milk

 Simple and easy flan. Enjoy!

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