Flan de Tequila

Flan de Tequila is a delightful Mexican dessert that blends rich creamy custard with the bold flavor of tequila. This delicious dish has roots steeped deeply in Latin America's love for flans, evolving over centuries with various inspirations, including influences from Spanish and indigenous ingredients. The addition of tequila, Mexico's signature spirit, introduces a unique twist to this classic dessert, giving it a special place in modern Mexican culinary arts.

Ingredients

• Sugar - 1 cup
• Water - 1/4 cup
• Sweetened Condensed Milk - 1 can (14 ounces)
• Evaporated Milk - 1 can (12 ounces)
• Cream Cheese - 8 ounces
• Large Eggs - 3
• Vanilla Extract - 1 tablespoon
• Tequila - 1/4 cup

Preparation Steps

Caramel Preparation

1. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine sugar and water.
2. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely into the water.
3. Once dissolved, stop stirring and allow the mixture to boil until it turns a rich golden-brown color. Make sure to monitor closely to prevent burning.
4. Immediately pour the caramelized sugar into the bottom of your flan mold.
5. Swirl to cover the base evenly with the caramel.

Flan Mixture

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a blender, add sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and cream cheese. Blend until smooth.
3. Add the eggs, one by one, blending after each addition until fully incorporated.
4. Add vanilla extract and tequila, and continue blending until the mixture is well-mixed.

Cooking

1. Pour the flan mixture into the caramel-coated mold.
2. Prepare a water bath by placing the mold into a larger baking dish and filling it with hot water halfway up the sides of the mold.
3. Bake the flan in the preheated oven for about 1 hour, or until the center is set but wobbles slightly when jiggled.
4. Check the doneness by inserting a knife, which should come out clean. You may want to use a cooking timer to ensure you do not overcook your flan.
5. Once cooked, remove the flan from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the water bath. Then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.

Serving Suggestions

To serve, carefully run a knife around the edges of the flan to loosen it, and invert it onto a serving platter so the caramel is on top. You can garnish with some whipped cream or fresh fruit to complement the flavors of this decadent dessert.

Enjoying Your Flan de Tequila

Flan de Tequila is best enjoyed chilled, either as a standalone treat or as a dramatic conclusion to a Mexican-themed meal. Pair it with a classic Mexican coffee or a tequila-based cocktail to enhance the experience. Its creamy texture combined with the subtle notes of tequila offers a uniquely satisfying dessert experience.