Here is the recipe you requested, a true masterpiece of simplicity and comfort. It is a dessert that embodies the warmth of home, a creamy and comforting classic.
The Irresistible Flan: A Creamy Dream that Melts in the Mouth
Introduction
Imagine a dessert with a silky, smooth texture that gently gives way under your spoon, releasing delicate notes of vanilla and caramel. This flan, made with only 3 apples, 3 eggs, and a glass of milk, is a miracle of simplicity. It’s a timeless recipe that transforms humble ingredients into an extraordinarily comforting and elegant dessert. Its creamy heart and lightly caramelized apple topping create a perfect balance of flavors, a true hug for the soul.
A Taste of History
Flan has ancient roots, dating back to the Roman Empire, where it was prepared as a savory dish. The sweet version, as we know it today, became popular in the Middle Ages, especially in Europe, where it was often enjoyed during Lent. This particular version, incorporating apples, pays homage to the rustic, frugal cuisine of the countryside, where fruit and basic dairy products were used to create nourishing and delicious meals for the whole family. It’s a recipe passed down through generations, a testament to the fact that true gastronomic happiness often lies in simplicity.
The Benefits of This Dessert
Beyond its incredible taste, this flan offers several advantages:
· Simplicity: It requires no advanced culinary skills.
· Natural Ingredients: It’s made with whole, unprocessed ingredients.
· Source of Energy: Eggs and milk provide high-quality protein and calcium. Apples add fiber and vitamins.
· Versatility: It’s perfect for breakfast, a snack, or a light dessert after a meal.
· Budget-Friendly: The ingredients are basic and accessible to everyone.
Formation (How to Master the Texture)
The secret to a perfect flan lies in the gentle cooking and the quality of the mixture. We are not looking for a thick pastry cream, but a tender, quivering custard. The apples release their pectin and moisture, helping to set the flan naturally while providing an incomparable melt-in-the-mouth texture. The key is to bake it in a bain-marie, which ensures gentle, even heat, preventing the eggs from curdling and guaranteeing a silky smooth result.
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The Recipe
Ingredients
· 3 medium-sized apples (Golden, Fuji, or Gala for their sweetness)
· 3 fresh eggs
· 250 ml of whole milk (a generous glass)
· 3 tablespoons of sugar (adjust to taste)
· 1 sachet of vanilla sugar or 1 teaspoon of liquid vanilla extract
· A pinch of salt
· (Optional: A knob of butter to grease the dish)
Instructions & Methods
1. Preparation of the Apples:
· Peel the apples, remove the cores, and cut them into thin slices or small cubes. The smaller the pieces, the more they will melt into the flan.
2. Preparing the Flan Mixture:
· In a large bowl, crack the 3 eggs. Add the sugar, vanilla sugar (or extract), and a pinch of salt.
· Whisk vigorously until the mixture becomes slightly frothy and the sugar has dissolved.
· Gradually pour in the milk while continuing to whisk. You should have a smooth, homogeneous liquid.
3. The Divine Union:
· Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
· Generously butter a pie dish or a medium-sized baking dish.
· Spread the apple pieces evenly over the bottom of the dish.
· Gently pour the egg and milk mixture over the apples. The liquid should just about cover them.
4. The Secret of the Bain-Marie:
· Place the baking dish inside a larger ovenproof dish. Place this ensemble in the oven.
· Carefully pour hot water into the larger dish until it reaches halfway up the sides of the flan dish. This is the bain-marie.
5. Baking:
· Bake for about 40 to 50 minutes. The flan is ready when it is golden brown on top, set around the edges, but still slightly wobbly in the center. A knife blade inserted in the center should come out clean or with just a little moisture.
6. Resting and Serving:
· Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and the bain-marie. Let it cool completely to room temperature.
· For the best texture, place it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or even better, overnight. The flan will firm up and develop even more flavor.
· Serve cold, directly from the dish, perhaps with a dusting of cinnamon or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Conclusion
This apple flan is much more than a simple recipe; it’s an invitation to slow down and savor life’s simple pleasures. It’s the scent that fills the kitchen, the laughter around the table, the gentle warmth of a spoonful that melts in your mouth.
Dedicated to the Lovers…
To the lovers of simple, authentic things. To those who find comfort in a homemade dessert. To the lovers of apples, vanilla, and creamy textures. To all of you who believe that the best things in life are made with the heart (and just a few ingredients), this flan is for you.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)
(Based on 6 servings)
· Calories: ~150-180 kcal
· Protein: 6g
· Carbohydrates: 22g (primarily from natural sugars in apples and added sugar)
· Fats: 5g (from eggs and milk)
· Fiber: 2g
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