Yield = 6

For the caramel syrup
3/4 cup sugar

For the custard
2 cups whole milk
1 cup half-and-half
1 t vanilla extract
5 large eggs
1/3 cup sugar

Equipment needed
1-quart saucepan
a souffle dish with 3-inch sides or 6 small ramekins or a 9-inch deep-dish pie pan
a wire whisk
2 mixing bowls
a paring knife
a baking pan with 2-inch sides (for water bath)
a large serving plate or 6 small serving plates

For the caramel syrup
1. Put the sugar in the 1-quart saucepan and stir over moderate heat until it all liquifies.
2. Pour the caramel syrup into your souffle dish or ramekins, making sure that
the bottom is evenly covered.

For the custard
1. Preheat the oven to 325F
2. Put the milk and half-and-half into the 2-quart saucepan
and heat to a boil. Cover and remove from heat; leave for 5 minutes.
3. Put the eggs in a mixing bowl and gradually blend in the sugar, stirring with the whisk
until the sugar dissolves. Don’t incorporate air into the mixture.
4. Slowly pour the milk into the eggs while stirring gently with the whisk.
5. Pour the custard into the souffle dish or ramekins.
6. Place your dish or dishes in the baking pan and put the pan in the oven. Add hot water
(not boiling; just hot tap water) until it reaches about halfway up the sides of your dish or dishes.
7. Bake for about 35 minutes if you’re using ramekins; about 50 minutes
if you’re using a souffle dish. Check the water bath from time to time to make sure
it isn’t boiling; add ice cubes if necessary.
8. Your flan should be done when it’s lightly colored and firm to the touch but not solid.
To double check, stick the blade of your knife in the center of the flan and halfway down;
the blade should come out clean. Carefully remove the baking pan from the oven, then
remove the flan from the water bath. Let the flan cool to room temperature, then chill,
covered, in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours.
9. To remove your flan, run your knife between the side of the custard and its container.
Put a serving plate on top of the dish and quickly invert the two. Then lift the dish straight up.