LECHE FLAN or CARAMEL CUSTARD - A popular Filipino dessert

There were many desserts that we Filipinos loved to eat during festivities like Christmas and birthdays, the very popular one was the "leche flan".  I think this was the easiest and simplest dessert that anyone can make to serve to your and friends.  But it depends how you make them, as everyone tried to make these dessert, you have to be consistent in preparing leche flan. 

LECHE FLAN or CARAMEL CUSTARD

Ingredients:

*10 egg yolks
*1 (14 oz.) can condensed milk
*1 (14 oz.) can evaporated milk
*1/4 tsp. vanilla extract
*1/4 cup refined sugar
* 1-3 molds or pans
*cheesecloth or strainer

***If you are using one pan, melt refined sugar over low heat on stove top until melted and golden brown.  Remove from heat and allow caramel to cool and harden.

Preparation:

1.  Using a medium bowl, combine egg yolks, condensed milk, evaporated milk, and vanilla extract.  Gently stir in circular motion until blended.  DO NOT USE BLENDER or MIXER. 

2.  Strain the egg-milk mixture with a cheesecloth or a strainer.  If you are using a strainer, you can strain the mixture twice for consistency.

3.  Pour strained egg-milk mixture into prepared pan***.

4.  Cover pan with foil in a wide oven safe dish with about an inch of water (waterbath).  Bake 375 degrees in the oven for about 45 minutes to an hour or use a toothpick to insert in the centre of the flan, if it comes out clean. 

5.  Turn flan over on a serving dish, caramel on top.

6.  Serve with ice cream if desired.