Flan de Castanas
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup apricot preserves
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise
- 2 eggs
- 5 egg yolks
- 1 cup chestnut puree
- Combine 1 cup of the sugar and the water in a small, heavy saucepan and cook over medium heat until the sugar dissolves and turns a dark golden color (once it starts changing color, you can swirl it around so it caramelizes evenly).
- Remove from the heat and whisk in the apricot preserves (be careful because it may splash and steam a little).
- Return to the heat and continue to stir until the jam is dissolved.
- Divide among 8 ramekins, swirling around to coat the bottoms and sides.
- Preheat the oven to 350F.
- Place the milk in a saucepan.
- Scrape the vanilla bean with the tip of a knife over the pan, then add the pod to the pan as well.
- Cook over medium heat to scald the milk.
- Meanwhile, combine the eggs, egg yolks, and the remaining 1/2 cup sugar in a large mixing bowl, and place the mixing bowl on top of a towel to keep it from wobbling while you whisk in the hot liquid.
- Slowly strain about 1/2 cup of the hot milk mixture into the egg mixture while whisking.
- Strain the rest of the milk and whisk gently (try to prevent excess bubbles from forming) and add the chestnut puree, whisking until its smooth.
- Place the coated ramekins, evenly spaced, in a towel-lined baking dish to prevent them from sliding.
- Divide the mixture among the ramekins.
- If there are any excess bubbles, remove them with a spoon before baking.
- Carefully pour hot water three-quarters of the way up the dish and cover loosely with aluminum foil.
- Bake until the flans are set along the edges but slightly jiggly in the center, 30 to 40 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and remove the ramekins with a towel or tongs.
- Let cool for 10 minutes, and then chill in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours (or overnight).
- To unmold, warm a small, sharp knife under hot water, dry it quickly, and run it around the edges of the ramekins.
- Dip the bottoms of the ramekins into very hot water for about 15 seconds and unmold onto a plate.
- The flan can be served chilled or at room temperature.
sugar, water, apricot preserves, milk, vanilla bean, eggs, egg yolks, chestnut puree
Taken from www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/flan-de-castanas-384136 (may not work)