CLASSIC MEXICAN FLAN - CUSTARD WITH CARAMEL TOPPING

Steps:

• Heat oven to 325°F.
• Melt 1/2 cup sugar in small saucepan over medium heat, swirling pan occasionally, until sugar becomes amber in color, 10 minutes (do not stir).
• Pour caramel into the bottom of a 5-cup souffle dish.
• Bring milk, cream, remaining 3/4 cup sugar and cinnamon stick to boil in small saucepan over medium heat.
• Remove from heat; cover and let stand 10 minutes.
• Meanwhile, whisk together eggs, vanilla and salt in large bowl.
• Strain milk mixture through a sieve into eggs; whisk to combine.
• Discard cinnamon stick.
• Strain mixture again into prepared dish.
• Place dish in a roasting pan, making sure there is at least one inch of space between the edge of the dish and pan.
• Add enough hot water to roasting pan to come halfway up side of dish.
• Bake until custard is just set, 60 to 65 minutes (mixture will jiggle slightly, but that's okay).
• Remove flan from oven.
• Let flan cool in hot-water bath 15 minutes.
• Remove dish from water bath and cool completely on wire rack.
• Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
• To serve:.
• Run a knife around edge of baking dish.
• Place a serving plate slightly larger than dish on top.
• Invert flan onto plate. Makes 8 servings. Makes a luxurious finale to your favorite Mexican meal!