Flan is a type of custard that is loved and appreciated all over the world. There are many different types and it can be made either savory or sweet. It can be cheesy, with or without vegetables, or it can be sweet and served on its own or with chocolate, fruits or nuts, or just about any other way you can think of to make it.
Flan was first created by the Ancient Romans, with the help of the Ancient Greeks. The Romans had domesticated chickens for the eggs, and had an abundance of eggs that they needed to use. The Ancient Greeks were known for their art of cooking. The two civilizations collaborated and flan, or flado, was created, although to the Ancient Romans, flan was known as tyropatinam. The word flado, which meant “flat cake” somehow evolved to the Old French word flaon, which then became flan, as we now know it today. Originally flans were savory dishes, which ironically is not how most people think of flans today. Flans in modern times, are almost always thought of as a sweet dessert, particularly in Spanish countries. The English speaking countries usually refer to flans as custards, and are often cooked in a pastry crust with fruits or nuts. Me personally, I will eat it any which way it comes, whether it is called flan, custard or creme brulee, I’m in and I am going to love it.
Back in the days when I was cooking professionally, I was always being asked “what types of foods were my favorite to cook”. I love all kinds of foods and love being an adventurous eater. My answer has always been that rather than focusing on a particular type of food or style of cooking, I prefer to cook in themes. I still do, and I try to do this as much as possible. So when I made my pork and pumpkin empanadas, Pork and Pumpkin Empanadas I was also looking for a good side dish to accompany them. I was going through all my Spanish and Latin cookbooks until I found just the right dish I was looking for. I came across a recipe for garlic flan. I had never heard of a garlic flan before and I thought it sounded really interesting and different. It is also very easy to make, with just a few simple ingredients.
Garlic Flan
1 TBSP garlic
2 cups heavy whipping cream or half & half
5 egg yolks
1/4 tsp salt
pinch of cayenne pepper
Preheat the oven to 350* F or 180* C
Spray individual serving ramekins with cooking spray and place in a shallow baking dish big enough to hold them.
Whisk all the ingredients together and pour even amounts into the prepared ramekins.
Place the filled ramekins in the baking pan and add about 1 inch of water, or enough to cover the bottom 1/3 of the ramekins. This is called a “bain marie” or water bath. It is used when baking custards or other delicate egg dishes so the eggs don’t scramble and cook on the bottom while the dish is baking. Wrap the pan tightly with aluminum foil and bake for about 45-60 minutes. You want the custards to be cooked and set, yet still soft. Let the flans cool a bit, then top with your favorite vinaigrette and serve. I used my chili lime vinaigrette on top. This is an acquired taste, more for the texture than the flavors, especially when served as a side dish rather than a dessert. I loved it, but Larry was a bit skeptical about it. To each his or her own.
I love flan!! I had it a lot when I lived in NJ…..haven’t found it yet in NC…😢
Look at that big beautiful jar of garlic!!💜💜
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I knew you would like that added touch. 🙂
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I have no idea why I’m obsessed with your jars of garlic. Maybe it’s because I’m sicilian and cant imagine life without it.😳🤷♀️💜
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I think I was Italian in another life. I can’t imagine life without garlic. I am right there with you. 🙂
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I thought flan was a dessert only. Good to know.
I’m glad to see you have a new garlic jar.
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We are going to Costco tonight, and you know I will be picking up yet another jar. I just can’t imagine life without garlic! 🙂
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Excellent. Thanks. Hurray for garlic. 🤗
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Garlic is a gift from the Gods! 🙂 🙂 🙂
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What have I done??🤪🤣🤣
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🙂 🙂 🙂 Nothing. I was born his way.
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Thanks for sharing, sounds wonderful. A definite must try. 💜💜
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Please let me know what you think about it when you do. 🙂
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I will definitely let you know😊🌸
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Cool Beans!
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You are certainly welcome !I have not heard that phrase in a while. 😊
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It is kind of my trademark saying. I say it all the time. 🙂
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That is good to know, brings back memories of a wonderful dear friend, Dorothy who was killed in an accident many years passing. Great to hear today. 😊💜
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So sorry for the loss of your friend. I am glad I could help with some good memories.
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Thank you Jeanette for the kind and thoughtful words.
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You are very welcome. 🙂
P.S. It’s Jeanne 🙂
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🤗💜🌸
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I’ve never heard of Garlic Flan. My first thought is “yuck”, because my experience with flan has always been sweet.
But garlic flan, actually has me interested. I wonder how the texture along with a savory taste would pair?
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I liked it a lot, my husband was so-so on it. I think it is definitely an acquired taste.
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Is it more of a spread or a side?
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What an interesting history! I had never heard of savory flans before! I love garlic and will have to try this sometime. I am also glad to see I am not the only person that buys the industrial-sized jar of minced garlic from Costco. When I picked it up the person I was with said did I really think I would use all that? OH YEA!
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🙂 🙂 :). There are A LOT of us who buy the industrial sized jars of garlic from Costco. Garlic fans, stand up and unite! 🙂
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bottomlesscoffee007 I served it as a side dish.
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Dear Jeanne, I love flan, but it doesn’t like me any more because it’s dairy. I have not been able to find a non-dairy recipe, whether sweet or savory. If you have any ideas, I would really appreciate!
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Can you do tofu or non-dairy products, such as almond or rice milk?
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Not for flan; it doesn’t work, not that it hasn’t been tried.
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Let’s put our thinking caps on, and see what we can come up with. 🙂
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Let’s! Thank you for trying to help, darling!
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My pleasure. 🙂
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Wow Jeanna! This is all new to me! But sounds so yummy! I never heard of savoury flan! xoxo
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Neither had I until I found this recipe. 🙂
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It sounds so easy to make as well, think I’ll try it sometime 🤗
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I would love to hear your thoughts whne you do. 🙂
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Like!! Great article post.Really thank you! Really Cool.
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Thank you.
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I am so grateful for your article.Really thank you! Great.
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Very good blog article.Much thanks again.
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Thanks so much for the blog post. Fantastic.
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Thank you.
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Enjoyed every bit of your blog post.Really thank you! Really Cool.
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Thank you.
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Major thankies for the blog article.Really thank you!
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Thank you.
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Wow, great blog post.Much thanks again. Great.
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Thank you.
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wow, awesome blog article.Really looking forward to read more. Cool.
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Thank you. Here is the link to my latest post.
https://ajeanneinthekitchen.com/2021/04/29/a-polish-feast/
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Appreciate you sharing, great post.Much thanks again. Keep writing.
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Thank you. Shall do. 🙂
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A round of applause for your article post. Will read on…
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Thank you.
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Great blog article. Great.
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Thank you.
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