Ultimate Flan Food

BEST FLAN EVER

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350°F.
• Select 2 oven safe containers, one that can easily fit inside the other.
• The large one will be used for a water bath and the smaller one will actually house the flan.
• Fill the larger container a little less than half way with water and place in the cold oven to heat up while you prepare the caramel and the custard.
• In a large pan, using a wooden spoon caramelize the sugar until it turns a light golden brown.
• While still hot, transfer the melted sugar to the smaller container, swirling it around until the entire bottom is covered then set aside.
• In a blender add the remaining ingredients and blend until smooth.
• Open up the oven where you have placed the water bath and then place the small pan with the caramel inside the large water bath pan.
• Pour the custard into the pan being careful not to splash it.
• Bake for 30- 45 minutes until the top is golden brown and the center passes a toothpick test.
• Remove from oven and allow to cool on rack.
• You may invert this onto a large serving dish with lip or just server out of container you cooked it inches.

ULTIMATE FLAN

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350*. Put sugar in a heavy skillet over medium heat. When the sugar starts to melt, gently stir with a wooden spoon so the sugar on top flows to the bottom to melt. Heat until caramelized. Pour in a 2 quart baking dish or mold, tilting to coat bottom and part of the sides.
• Whisk egg yolks. Whisk in the milks, cream and vanilla until smooth, but not bubbly. Pour into the caramel-lined pan and cover with foil.
• Place this pan in a slightly larger pan. Pour hot water in the larger pan until it comes halfway up the side of the "flan" pan. This is easier to do if you place the pans on the oven rack (that way you don't have to worry about spilling the water when you carry to the oven).
• Bake @ 350* for 60-70 minutes, until knife comes out clean. Cool before unmolding.

FLAN

Steps:

• To make the caramel: have ready a 2-quart round flan mold and a large roasting pan. Combine 1 cup of the sugar and 2 tablespoons of water in a heavy-bottomed pot or pan. Place over medium-high heat and cook until the sugar begins to melt. Swirl the pan over the heat until the syrup darkens to a medium amber color, about 10 minutes; don't stir with a spoon. Remove from the heat and immediately add the lemon juice, swirl the pan again to combine, and then pour into the flan mold. Tilt the dish so that the caramel evenly coats the bottom and a bit up the sides, place in the roasting pan and set aside.
• Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F, bring a kettle of water to a boil for the water bath and keep it hot.
• Combine the cream, cinnamon, and vanilla in a small saucepan over medium-low flame. Bring the cream to a brief simmer, stirring occasionally. Take care not to let the cream come to a full boil to prevent it from spilling over.
• In a large bowl, cream together the whole eggs and yolks with the remaining 1/2 cup of sugar; add a pinch of salt. Whisk until the mixture is pale yellow and thick. Temper the egg mixture by gradually whisking in the hot cream mixture; don't add it too quickly or the eggs will cook. Pass the mixture through a strainer into a large measuring cup to ensure that the flan will be perfectly smooth. Pour the custard into the caramel-coated mold.
• To create the water bath: pour the hot (not boiling) water into the roasting pan to come halfway up the side of the mold; be careful not get water into the custard. Carefully transfer to the middle oven rack, and bake for 30 to 45 minutes, until the custard is barely set and just jiggles slightly. Let the flan cool in the water bath, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
• When you are ready to serve, run a knife around the inside of the mold to loosen the flan. Place a dessert plate on top of the flan and invert to pop it out.

FLAN

Steps:

• To make the caramel:
• Have ready 8 individual 5-ounce ramekins. In a thick sided heavy duty pot, combine the sugar, corn syrup, 1/2 cup of the water, and lemon juice. Cook over high heat until a medium brown caramel forms. Remove from heat and stir in the remaining 1/2 cup of water. Pour about 1 tablespoon of caramel into each ramekin.
• To make the flan:
• Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.
• Cream together the eggs, egg yolks, and sugar in bowl. In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, bring the half-and-half and vanilla bean to a scald. Gradually whisk the half-and-half mixture into the eggs, a little at a time at first and whisking constantly, to temper the egg mixture.
• Fill each ramekin almost to the top with the egg mixture. Set the ramekins in a deep baking dish and fill the dish with hot water that reaches halfway up the sides of the ramekins. Bake until the flan is set (jiggly but not firm), about 90 minutes. Let cool and refrigerate.
• To serve, use a paring knife to cut around the outside of the ramekin and then invert the mold over each serving plate. It may be necessary to shake the flan or gently push it back on one side in order to get the flan to break loose from the ramekin. Serve with the liquid caramel that pours out as a sauce.
• This recipe was provided by professional chefs and has been scaled down from a bulk recipe provided by a restaurant. The Food Network Kitchens chefs have not tested this recipe, in the proportions indicated, and therefore, we cannot make any representation as to the results.

ULTIMATE ONION TART

Steps:

• Heat oven to 190C/fan 170C/gas 5. Roll out the pastry on a lightly floured surface and use to line a deep 23cm fluted flan tin. Line with baking paper and fill with baking beans. Bake blind for 15 mins.
• Heat the butter and oil in a large frying pan, then gently fry the onions, covered, for about 30 mins until completely softened, but still pale in colour.
• Beat the eggs and cream together in a bowl, then add the cheese and some seasoning. Stir in the onions, then spoon the mixture into the flan case. Bake for 25-30 mins until lightly set and browned.

FLAN

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 325°F.
• Prepare an ice bath and set aside.
• Place eight ramekins in two baking pans lined with kitchen towels or 8-inch round cake pan.
• Bring a large pot of water to boil; keep hot until ready to use.
• Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, heat 3/4 cup sugar with the water over medium heat; cook until sugar is dissolved, about 5 minutes.
• Swirl pan occasionally, DO NOT STIR.
• Wash down sides of pan with a pastry brush dipped in water to prevent crystals from forming.
• Increase heat to medium-high; continue cooking until caramel is amber, about 8 minutes, gently swirling pan to color evenly.
• Remove from heat,and immerse bottom in ice bath for 3 seconds to stop cooking.
• Dry bottom of pan.
• Working quickly, pour about 1 tablespoon into each ramekin; OR pour all into cake pan and swirl to coat bottom evenly; set aside.
• In a small saucepan heat milk over medium heat just until bubbles form around edges and milk starts to steam,5 to 6 minutes Turn off heat.
• In a large bowl, whisk together yolks, eggs, and remaining 3/4 cup sugar until combined.
• Slowly add hot milk whisking constantly.
• Pour mixture through a fine sieve into clean bowl; skim off surface foam with a spoon.
• Stir in Vanilla, and pour custard into ramekins or cake pan.
• Carefully pour the hot water into baking pan until it reaches halfway up the side of ramekin or cake pan.
• Bake until center is set when gently touched with finger, 30 to 35 minutes.
• Remove from oven transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
• Cover with plastic wrap, and place in refrigerator to chill, at least 6 hours or overnight.
• To unmold, run a sharp knife around edges and place a serving plate upside down over the top; invert and gently lift pan to remove.
• Serve.

STEAMED FLAN WITH GINGER

Steps:

• In the stove-proof baking pan, combine the sugar, ginger, and ⅓ cup (80 ml) of water, and stir until the sugar is dissolved. Bring the mixture to a roiling boil over high heat, then lower the heat and simmer, constantly and very carefully stirring the mixture or swirling the pan. (Use an oven mitt or tongs to hold the side of the pan and swirl slowly.)
• After about 5 minutes, the mixture will foam, then turn a mahogany brown and begin to thicken. Keep gently stirring or swirling just until the mixture is deep brown, thick, and gooey, 2 to 3 minutes more, being careful not to burn the caramel. Remove from the heat immediately and let cool slightly, making sure the ginger is evenly scattered across the bottom of the pan.
• In a large bowl, whisk the eggs until uniformly yellow, with no whites visible. Continue whisking while slowly adding the condensed milk. When the mixture is thoroughly combined, repeat with 2½ cans of water (measuring the water in the can will help dislodge any milk stuck to the sides), then set the custard aside.
• If using a steamer, add enough water so that it almost reaches the rack. If using a wok or pot, put the cup or trivet in the bottom and add enough water so it almost reaches the top of the cup or trivet. Carefully put the pan with the caramel on the steamer rack or on top of the cup or trivet. Slowly pour the condensed milk mixture over the caramel, then cover the steamer or wok. Bring the water to a boil over high heat.
• When the water comes to a boil (look for steam coming out from under the lid or quickly lift the lid to check), lower the heat so the water simmers. Cook the flan until the edges are set and starting to bubble, and the middle is jiggly, 5 to 6 minutes. You can insert a chopstick or cake tester into the center of the flan to double- check its doneness; it should come out clean.
• Carefully remove the pan from the steamer or wok and let it cool. Cover the pan and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, but preferably overnight. To serve, run a knife around the flan; firmly hold a round, rimmed platter or pie dish against the top of the pan; and flip the pan over to invert the flan onto the platter. Slice into wedges and serve with the caramel sauce spooned over the top.

SMOKED/GRILLED ULTIMATE FLANK STEAK

Steps:

• Place flank steak in sealable plactic bag and add remaining ingredients. Note: Soy sauce will (naturally) make the marinade more salty.
• Rub marinade into steak and marinate for 6 to 12 hours. Turn bag over at least four times during marination.
• If grilling: Grill or broil flank steak over hot hardwood coals for about 8-10 minutes a side.
• If smoking: Heat the smoker to 250 degrees F and smoke until tender. For 3 flank steaks (essentially double/triple the recipe), smoke for 1 1/2 hours.
• When done, slice the flank steaks across the grain in thin strips.

ULTIMATE FLANK STEAK MARINADE

Steps:

• 1. Place garlic, salt, pepper, and thyme on a cutting surface adn use a large knife to chop together until mixed.
• 2. Transfer mixture to a large ziplock bag. Add soy sauce and oil; seal and press bag gently to combine ingredients.
• 3. Place steak in the bag and seal. Turn several times to coat meat.
• 4. Refrigerate, turning several times, for at least 3 hours and up to overnight.
• 5. To cook meat: preheat broiler to high and arrange rack 6 inches from heat source. Remove meat from bag and pat dry; discard marinade. Broil on a broiling pan for 7 minutes. Turn meat over and broil 5 to 7 minutes longer. To check for doneness, test with the tip of a sharp knife. If juices run red, broil 1 to 2 minutes longer, until instant-read thermometer reads 140 degrees F (for medium rare). Let steak rest for 10 minutes. Working against the grain, cut into thin slices with a knife.

ULTIMATE CHEESE QUICHE

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 220C/fan 200C/gas 7. Grease an oven-proof dish. Roll out the pastry on a floured surface, and line the dish with the pastry.
• Beat the eggs and milk together in a medium-sized bowl, and season to taste. Pour the mixture into the pastry.
• Grate the cheese and add it to the mixture, being sure to spread the cheese evenly.
• Cook on the middle shelf of the oven for 30 minutes or until the cheese on top is golden brown. Serve.

ULTIMATE QUICHE LORRAINE

Steps:

• For the pastry, put 175g plain flour, 100g cold butter, cut into pieces, 1 egg yolk and 4 tsp cold water into a food processor. Using the pulse button, process until the mix binds.
• Tip the pastry onto a lightly floured surface, gather into a smooth ball, then roll out as thinly as you can.
• Line a 23 x 2.5cm loose-bottomed, fluted flan tin, easing the pastry into the base.
• Trim the pastry edges with scissors (save any trimmings) so it sits slightly above the tin (if it shrinks, it shouldn't now go below the level of the tin). Press the pastry into the flutes, lightly prick the base with a fork, then chill for 10 mins.
• Put a baking sheet in the oven and heat oven to 200C/fan 180C/gas 6. Line pastry case with foil, shiny side down, fill with dry beans and bake on the hot sheet for 15 mins.
• Remove foil and beans and bake for 4-5 mins more until the pastry is pale golden. If you notice any small holes or cracks, patch up with pastry trimmings. You can make up to this point a day ahead.
• While the pastry cooks, prepare the filling. Heat a small frying pan, tip in 200g lardons and fry for a couple of mins. Drain off any liquid that comes out, then continue cooking until the lardons just start to colour, but aren't crisp. Remove and drain on paper towels.
• Cut three quarters of the 50g gruyère into small dice and finely grate the rest. Scatter the diced gruyère and fried lardons over the bottom of the pastry case.
• Using a spoon, beat 200ml crème fraîche to slacken it then slowly beat in 200ml double cream. Mix in 3 well beaten eggs. Season (you shouldn't need much salt) and add a pinch of ground nutmeg. Pour three quarters of the filling into the pastry case.
• Half-pull the oven shelf out and put the flan tin on the baking sheet. Quickly pour the rest of the filling into the pastry case - you get it right to the top this way. Scatter the grated cheese over the top, then carefully push the shelf back into the oven.
• Lower the oven to 190C/fan 170C/gas 5. Bake for about 25 mins, or until golden and softly set (the centre should not feel too firm).
• Let the quiche settle for 4-5 mins, then remove from the tin. Serve freshly baked, although it's also good cold.

THE PERFECT FLAN

Steps:

• Position rack in center of oven and preheat to 350°F. Combine cream, milk and salt in heavy medium saucepan. Scrape seeds from vanilla bean into cream mixture; add bean. Bring to simmer over medium heat. Remove from heat and let steep 30 minutes.
• Meanwhile, combine 1 cup sugar and 1/3 cup water in another heavy medium saucepan. Stir over low heat until sugar dissolves. Increase heat to high and cook without stirring until syrup turns deep amber, brushing down sides of pan with wet pastry brush and swirling pan occasionally, about 10 minutes. Quickly pour caramel into six 3/4-cup ramekins or custard cups. Using oven mitts as aid, immediately tilt each ramekin to coat sides. Set ramekins into 13x9x2-inch baking pan.
• Whisk eggs, egg yolks and 7 tablespoons sugar in medium bowl just until blended. Gradually and gently whisk cream mixture into egg mixture without creating lots of foam. Pour custard through small sieve into prepared ramekins, dividing evenly (mixture will fill ramekins). Pour enough hot water into baking pan to come halfway up sides of ramekins.
• Bake until centers of flans are gently set, about 40 minutes. Transfer flans to rack and cool. Chill until cold, about 2 hours. Cover and chill overnight. (Can be made 2 days ahead.)
• To serve, run small sharp knife around flan to loosen. Turn over onto plate. Shake gently to release flan. Carefully lift off ramekin allowing caramel syrup to run over flan. Repeat with remaining flans and serve.