Flan : The Spanish Name For a Delicious Vanilla Egg Custard

"Flan" is the Spanish name for vanilla egg custard, topped with caramel sauce. It is a Spanish classic and one of the most popular desserts served everywhere in Spain. Flan makes a great finish to any meal because even though it is sweet, it is a light dessert. Can be made in advance cover each ramekin with cling film keep in the fridge and un-mould just before serving!

1. Pre-heat oven to 325° F (162° C) degrees.

2. Put the kettle on and bring approximately 1/1.5 litre water to the boil.

3. Put a heavy saucepan over medium heat for 30 seconds. Add 1/2 cup sugar. Stir continually with the back of the wooden spoon until sugar is completely melted, caramelized and become rich medium brown colour. Remove from the heat immediately and carefully spoon into the base of each ramekins. Place the caramel coated ramekins into a deep roasting tray

4. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the 3 eggs with 50 grams' caster sugar until they are frothy

5. Meanwhile in a clean saucepan bring the cream and vanilla extract to just below the boil, remove from the heat.

6. Stirring constantly, gradually add hot cream to egg yolk mixture. Stir until the sugar is dissolved, ladle mixture into ramekins over the caramel.

7. Slowly pour in hot water until it is 3/4 of the way up the sides of the ramekins. Bake uncovered in water bath for 50-60 minutes, or until a knife comes out clean when inserted half way between centre and the edge of dish. Note: To ensure the custard does not over-cook, check after 45 minutes, then every 5 minutes.

1. Carefully remove each ramekin from the water bath. Leave to cool, then chill thoroughly in refrigerator. This usually takes at least 1 hour.

2. When ready to serve, un-mold by running a knife around the inside edge of baking dish. Place a small dessert plate on the top of the ramekin. With one hand under the ramekin and the other on top of the place, turn over. Tap the ramekin and the flan should drop onto the plate. If it does not, carefully “prod" the flan out of the ramekin with a small paring knife. It should slide out of the ramekin onto the plate.

3. Serve on its own or with whipped cream.