The Flan

1 cup sugar
6 large eggs
1-14-oz can sweetened condensed               whole milk
2-13-oz cans evaporated whole milk
1 tb. real vanilla extract

1.  Preheat oven to 350°. 

2.  Mix eggs with an electric mixer AND ADD THE CONDENSED MILK, EVAPORATED MILK AND VAINILLA.  MIX THOROUGHLY. Blend smooth but do not over mix. Make sure there are no air bubbles in the flan mixture.  Pour custard INTO THE caramelized METAL PAN. ( SEE INSTRUCTIONS FOR CARAMEL BELOW.)  Cover with foil, and PLACE IT in the ROASTING PAN. Then pour hot water into the ROASTING PAN and PLACE IN the oven for 1 to 1½ hours until done.  TEST TO SEE IF IT IS DONE BY INSERTING A KNIFE INTO THE FLAN.  IF IT COMES OUT CLEAN, IT IS DONE.

3.  Allow the flan to rest for at least 2 to 4 hours.  I prefer to make the flan one day ahead and refrigerate it before serving.  it makes it easier to unmold.  

 The Caramel

The SCARIEST part of preparing a flan is the caramel. People are always afraid of burning themselves or burning the caramel. Preparing the caramel in the microwave is really very easy!

Pour 1 cup sugar and about ¼ cup water in a microwave safe cup, use a 2 cup glass Pyrex measuring cup. Stir the sugar and water and microwave on high for about 5 minutes until it reaches the right color, which should be the color of honey.  Once 4 minutes have passed keep your eye ON THE CARAMEL.  STOP THE MICROWAVE once the caramel reaches that honey color. If it is not dark enough at 5 minutes, add another 30 seconds.  STOP THE MICROWAVE ONCE  YOU HAVE THE RIGHT COLOR.  You are looking to get the perfect color, not too light and not too dark.

Once the caramel is ready, pour into the METAL pan and swirl to cover the bottom...make sure the bottom of the pan is fully covered. I prefer to use a metal pan, like a cake pan. Let the caramel set before pouring in the flan mixture. 

Bain-Marie

Next step is to get the Bain-Marie (water bath) ready. Use a large cookie sheet on the bottom, then set a large roasting pan on top of the sheet. Just before you place the METAL pan in the roasting pan, boil some water to pour into the roasting pan once the METAL  pan is placed inside the roasting pan.