Thursday, October 7, 2010

Make Homemade Flan In Your Microwave







Whip up a delicious flan in your microwave.


Flan is a delectable dessert that is the perfect finish to a Mexican or Spanish meal, yet many cooks are daunted by the numerous steps and substantial cooking time that go into its preparation. Making flan in the microwave is much simpler and easier than using the traditional bain marie method, and requires less cooking time. Your guests will be impressed by this delicious treat that takes mere minutes to prepare.


Instructions


1. Caramelize the sugar. Over medium heat, heat 1 cup of the sugar in a dry saucepan. Wait until it begins to bubble and melt, then stir it. Stir frequently until the sugar is golden brown and smooth, then pour into the Pyrex pan. Coat the bottom of the pan evenly with the caramelized sugar.


2. Whisk the remaining sugar with the milk, vanilla and eggs. Mix until the ingredients are completely blended. Pour the mixture over the caramelized sugar in the pan.


3. Microwave the flan on 50 percent power for 20 minutes. Insert a knife near the edge of the flan to test if it's done. A microwave cooks from the center out, so inserting a knife near the center is a less reliable predictor. If the flan is not fully cooked, continue to microwave it, testing at one minute intervals.


4. Chill in the refrigerator for at least three hours, if not overnight.


5. When you're ready to serve, warm the bottom of the Pyrex pan over a pan of simmering water to loosen the caramel at the bottom. Place a serving dish over the pan and carefully invert. Enjoy.

Tags: caramelized sugar, cooking time, knife near