Ingredients:
- 3/4 + 1/2 cup sugar
- 4 cup milk
- 8 eggs
- 1 + 1/2 tsp vanilla
To carmelize sugar, in small heavy skillet heat 1/2 cup sugar over medium heat until sugar begins to melt (do not stir). Cook and stir 4-5 minutes more or until it turns a rich brown. Remove from heat and immediately pour caramelized sugar into an oval 3 qt shallow casserole (approx 9 x 13), quickly rotate dish so sugar coats the bottom and sides evenly.
Meanwhile, beat eggs, sugar, milk and vanilla. Pour into pan, place caramelized dish in a larger baking pan filled with hot tap water. Bake, uncovered in a preheated 325 F oven for 80 minutes or until a knife inserted half-way between the center and edge comes out clean. Remove dish, cool flan on rack. Cover and place in the fridge.
To unmold flan, loosen edges with a spatula. Slip end of spatula down sides to let air in. Invert flan onto a serving platter. Spoon caramel mixture that remains in dish on top.
Flan makes 12 servings. For 6 servings, half recipe and bake in 8 in round pan 30 – 35 minutes.