Everything You Ever Wanted to Know about Flan
One of the most well known desserts from Mexico is the flan. This sweet custard covered in caramel sauce is simple and elegant. It is loved by everyone, rich or poor; young or old. It comes with an interesting history that dates back to ancient Rome. Way back when, the Romans began to keep chickens on hand for eggs and meat. When they needed something new to do with all the eggs, they turned to Greece and developed a recipe for custard. The Romans made their custards savory instead of sweet.
Romans introduced their custard as they conquered Europe. When Rome fell, the custard recipe remained popular all through the Medieval times. More sweet varieties were developed. In Latin, this dish was known as flado, or custard. In France, it became known as flaon, which evolved to flan… the name we use now.
Eggs were thought to cause healing. Recipes with eggs like flan were made to help with the kidneys, chest, and liver. They were also thought to increase fertility. In Spain, they developed a delicious version with caramel sauce poured on top. This recipe was brought to the New World when the Spanish sailed to Mexico.
In Mexico, the flan really came into its own. You can use a special pan known as a bain marie to make flan if you wish. This pan has an area to pour the custard mixture into and an outer pan that will hold the water bath. A bain marie lets you make flan using both an oven or a stove. If you do not have one, you can also use glass or porcelain dishes for flan. As long as they can be baked while sitting in a water bath, you will end up with a great flan.
Ramekins are often used to make individual flans, even though the sight of a large flan is impressive. Flans are not difficult to make as long as the instructions are followed carefully. The ingredients are simple and the results are elegant. What more could you want from a dessert?
Mexican flans are usually flavored with vanilla. Other flavors like lime, coconut, pumpkin, almond, and lemon may also be found and enjoyed. All the flavors will be accompanied by the homemade caramel sauce that is the signature of the Mexican flan.
Flan is obviously one of the most famous Mexican desserts. It is known the world over for its creaminess that cools the palate after eating a spicy dish. Serve flan as a wonderful ending to any meal. Not only is it sweet, it is nourishing as well. Those eggs and milk are good for you.
Try making flan at home. It is a simple recipe that may require just a little practice to get just right. Your family and friends will be utterly amazed when you bring this elegant dessert out for them to enjoy. Serve it any day of the week or save it for a special occasion. Flan will soon become a favorite dessert.
Mexican food history is a fascinating trip back through time reaching all the way to the Pre-Columbian era. Native foods that sustained the Aztecs and Mayans are still being used daily in Mexico. This is something we can all learn from… by using native and seasonal foods, we remain healthier.
