Classic Caramel Flan

Ingredients:

For the Caramel:

½ cup (100g) sugar
2 tablespoons water

For the Custard:

4 large eggs
1 can (14 oz / 400g) sweetened condensed milk
1 can (12 oz / 350ml) evaporated milk
1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Caramel:

Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar and water over medium heat.
Dissolve Sugar: Stir gently until the sugar is dissolved, then stop stirring.
Cook: Allow the mixture to boil, watching closely until it turns a golden amber color (about 5-7 minutes).
Pour Caramel: Carefully pour the caramel into a round baking dish or flan mold, tilting to coat the bottom evenly. Set aside to cool and harden.

2. Mix the Custard:

Blend Custard: In a blender, combine the eggs, sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and vanilla extract. Blend until smooth.

3. Combine and Pour:

Add Custard: Gently pour the custard mixture over the hardened caramel in the baking dish.

4. Bake the Flan:

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Prepare Water Bath: Place the flan dish inside a larger baking tray. Fill the larger tray with water until it reaches halfway up the sides of the flan dish.
Bake: Carefully place the tray in the oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.

5. Cool the Flan:

Remove and Cool: Once baked, remove the flan from the oven and the water bath. Allow it to cool at room temperature for 30 minutes, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.

6. Unmold and Serve:

Loosen Edges: Run a knife around the edges of the flan to loosen it.
Invert: Place a serving plate over the flan and invert to release. The caramel will flow over the top.
Enjoy: Slice the flan and serve chilled. Enjoy your delicious Classic Caramel Flan!