COCONUT-CARAMEL CUSTARD

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 325F.
• Make the caramel: Cook the sugar in a small heavy saucepan over low heat, swirling the pan constantly, until brown.
• Stir the hot water into the caramel, being careful to guard against splattering (the mixture will bubble vigorously).
• Boil the mixture, swirling the pan occasionally, until the sugar is thoroughly dissolved, about 2 minutes.
• Pour the caramel syrup into a 1-quart souffle dish or five 4-ounce ramekins.
• Tilt the molds to coat all of the surfaces with caramel.
• Make the custard: Combine the coconut milk, milk and sugar in a medium saucepan over low heat.
• Scald until the sugar dissolves completely.
• Remove from heat.
• In a large bowl, whisk the eggs and vanilla.
• Gradually whisk the hot coconut milk mixture into the eggs, blending thoroughly.
• Strain the custard through a fine sieve into a bowl.
• Carefully pour into the caramel-lined souffle dish or ramekins.
• Line a large roasting pan with 2 layers of paper towels (see Note).
• Put the souffle dish in the roasting pan and add hot water to reach halfway up the side of the dish.
• Bake in the center of the oven for 50 minutes (30 minutes if using ramekins), or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
• Be careful not to let the water boil; do not disturb the custard while baking.
• This is the only"secret" to producing a smooth and velvety custard.
• Remove the souffle dish immediately from the hot water.
• Allow to cool in a cold-water bath.
• Chill thoroughly.
• To serve, run a knife around the edge of the custard and turn out onto dessert plates.
• Serve with whipped cream, if desired.
• Note: The paper towels in the roasting pan serve a twofold purpose: First, they allow the hot water to circulate under the souffle dish while baking to distribute the heat evenly; second, if using small ramekins, it stabilizes them and keeps them from moving around while baking.