One of the most well known desserts from Mexico is the flan. This sweet custard covered in caramel sauce is simple and elegant. It is loved by everyone, rich or poor; young or old. It comes with an interesting history that dates back to ancient Rome. Way back when, the Romans began to keep chickens on hand for eggs and meat. When they needed something new to do with all the eggs, they turned to Greece and developed a recipe for custard. The Romans made their custards savory instead of sweet.

Rome shared this recipe as they conquered Europe. When Rome fell, the custard recipe they developed flourished throughout medieval Europe. As the recipe was adapted, more sweet versions were created. In Latin, this dessert was known as flado, for custard. In French, it became flaon and eventually it came to be called flan.

Eggs were thought to cause healing. Recipes with eggs like flan were made to help with the kidneys, chest, and liver. They were also thought to increase fertility. In Spain, they developed a delicious version with caramel sauce poured on top. This recipe was brought to the New World when the Spanish sailed to Mexico.

Mexican cooking has brought the flan to a level all of its own. Mexican flans are usually made in a pan called a bain marie, which includes a pan for the custard as well as an outer pan for the water bath. Using a bain marie, a flan may be cooked in the oven or on top of the stove. If one does not have this pan, flan can be made in any number of glass, porcelain, Pyrex or other non stick dish that can be set into a pan of water in the oven.

If you want to make individual flans, you can use ramekins, although a large flan is certainly impressive. They are not difficult to bake as long as you follow the instructions with care. Use the simple ingredients and you will end up with elegant results. Dessert cannot get any better than this!

Vanilla is the primary flavor used in flan. You can also find them in other flavors, however, such as pumpkin, lime, coconut, lemon, and almond. All these flavors are delicious and they all come with the signature caramel sauce.

Like many other traditional Mexican desserts, flan is a creamy respite from the spicy flavors of many main dishes. It cools the mouth and tempers the stomach. This simple dessert is a delicious end to any meal. Aside from being a sweet treat, flan is also nourishing, as it is full of eggs and milk.

Do not be afraid to try making flan at home. This simple dessert may require a little practice, but soon you will be able to amaze your family and friends with this elegant dessert. Serve it up after any meal or save it for a special occasion. Either way, flan will be a welcome addition to your family menu.