a way healthier, almost cholesterol-free version of one of the most adored Filipino desserts. A perfect balance to the holiday’s (or any occasion) not-so-healthy eats.
A baking pan bigger than the mold or a roasting pan
Aluminum foil (to cover the pan)
Ingredients
For the Caramel:
½cupsugar
2tablespoonswater
For the Flan:
1 ⅓cupsegg whitesabout 9 large eggs
1300ml can condensed milk
1354ml can evaporated milk
1teaspoonpure vanilla extract
¼teaspooninstant coffeecrushed (optional)
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350F. Position the oven rack one slot lower than the middle (lower third of the oven).
To make the caramel: In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, place the ingredients for the caramel. Swirl to wet the sugar and cook on medium to medium-high until golden brown in color. Be careful not to burn the caramel. Pour immediately into the pan. Let cool.
In a large bowl, place the egg white and break the lumpy parts gently with a wooden spoon. Add the condensed milk, evaporated milk, vanilla and crushed coffee, if using. Stir until everything is mixed well. Avoid whisking for a smoother flan.
Strain the flan mixture 3x using a fine sieve or cheesecloth. Remove the bubbles that rise to the top and gently pour mixture on top of the ALREADY COOLED caramel. Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil.
Pour about 1/4 inch hot water on a bigger baking pan and place the mold on top. The water level should reach halfway of the flan mixture. Add more water, if needed.
Bake for 1 hour and 20 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the middle of the flan comes out clean. Remove from the water bath and cool completely. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before unmolding.
To unmold, pour hot water in a baking pan and place the mold on top. Let it sit for a few minutes to loosen the caramel. Then, run a small spatula or paring knife around the mold to loosen the flan. Place the serving dish on top of the mold and quickly flip upside-down to release.
Keyword christmas, filipino dessert, halo-halo, noche buena, party food