FLAN DE CAFE (COFFEE CARAMEL CUSTARD)

Steps:

• In a small, heavy frying pan, heat the 3/4 cup sugar over medium-low heat until it begins to dissolve. Shake the pan slightly, but do not stir, until all the sugar has melted, about 10 minutes. Increase the heat and stir the sugar as it begins to bubble and take on color.
• When the sugar is a dark, caramel color, pour into a 6-cup charlotte mold or souffle dish and quickly turn in all directions, tipping the mold or dish from side to side until the surface -- the bottom -- and about 2 inches up the sides is lightly coated with the caramel. If the caramel thickens before it reaches this point, then heat the mold over a low flame until the caramel runs more smoothly.
• Preheat the oven to 325 degrees.
• Place the milk, salt and remaining 1/2 cup sugar into a heavy saucepan. Bring to a simmer and stir to dissolve sugar. Continue boiling -- being careful the mixture doesn't boil over -- until the milk has reduced by about half a cup, about 20 minutes. Stir in the vanilla extract and coffee powder, and set aside to cool.
• In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and yolks together; when the milk is tepid, stir the eggs into the milk. Pour through a strainer into the prepared mold or dish; set in a hot-water bath and bake in the lower third of the oven for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until custard is set and a knife comes out clean; cooking times vary with the depth of the mold. Set aside to cool completely before refrigerating; the flan should be served chilled. To unmold, carefully insert a blunt, thin metal spatula around the rim of the custard and gently tip the mold from side to side to see if it is loose. If the caramel on the bottom of the pan has hardened, place in a pan of hot water to loosen and test again. Unmold into a serving dish.