Caramel Cream Cheese Custard (Flan de Queso) Rosenbaum, Scott

Every panaderia (bakery) in Puerto Rico has many flavors of flan, from vanilla to guava. Reduced-fat cream cheese gives this version a rich, comforting texture.

Servings: 12 servings
Total Time: 6 1/4 hours (including 5 hours cooling & chilling)
Ease of Preparation: Easy
Health: Low Calorie, Low Sodium, High Calcium


Ingredients:

1/2 cup sugar
2 tablespoons water
8 ounces reduced-fat cream cheese (Neufchâtel), softened
8 each large eggs
1 14-ounce can nonfat or low-fat sweetened condensed milk
1 12-ounce can nonfat or low-fat evaporated milk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract


Steps:

1: Preheat oven to 350°F.

2: Cook sugar and water in a small saucepan over medium-high heat, gently swirling the pan (do not stir), until the mixture turns golden brown, 5 to 7 minutes. Immediately, pour the caramel carefully into a 9-inch round metal cake pan. If it stiffens before it completely covers the bottom of the pan, warm the pan in the oven, then swirl to cover the bottom.

3: Beat cream cheese in a large bowl with a mixer at medium-high speed until soft. Beat in eggs, one at a time, until thoroughly combined, scraping down the sides. Add condensed milk, evaporated milk and vanilla; mix until combined. Carefully pour into the prepared pan. (You may hear some cracking; the pan will be very full.)

4: Place the cake pan in a larger pan and pour enough hot water around it to come 1 inch up the sides. Bake until golden and set at the edges but still wobbly at the center, about 1 hour. A knife inserted in the center should come out clean.

5: Transfer the cake pan to a wire rack and let cool to room temperature, about 1 hour. Then cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. To serve, run a knife around the edge of the pan and invert the flan onto a plate.

Nutrition: (Per serving)

Calories - 247
Carbohydrates - 33
Fat - 8
Saturated Fat - 4
Monounsaturated Fat - 3
Protein - 10
Cholesterol - 160
Dietary Fiber - 0
Potassium - 478
Sodium - 192
Nutrition Bonus - Calcium (18 daily value).

ENJOY!!!