๐ฎ Almond Flan with Summer Fruit ๐๐ซ
Almond Flan with Summer Fruit is a delightful dessert that combines the rich creaminess of flan with the nutty flavor of almonds and the freshness of summer fruits like peaches, berries, and apricots. It’s a perfect treat to enjoy during the warm months and makes for a visually stunning and delicious dessert.
๐ History:
The origins of flan can be traced back to ancient Rome, where it was known as “flado” or “flaon.” Over the centuries, it evolved into the custard-based dessert we know today. Almonds have a long history in Mediterranean cuisine, so combining them with flan was a natural progression, particularly during the summer months when fresh fruits were abundant.
๐ฅ Components:
To prepare Almond Flan with Summer Fruit, you will need:
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 can (14 ounces) of sweetened condensed milk
- 1 can (12 ounces) of evaporated milk
- 1 teaspoon of almond extract
- 1/2 cup of sliced almonds
- A selection of summer fruits like peaches, berries, apricots, or any of your favorites for topping
- Additional sugar for caramelizing the mold
๐ฉโ๐ณ Preparation Steps:
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Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC).
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Caramelize the Mold:
- In a small saucepan, melt 1 cup of granulated sugar over medium heat until it turns into a golden caramel. Be careful not to burn it.
- Quickly pour the caramel into a flan mold or individual ramekins, swirling to coat the bottom evenly. Allow it to cool and harden.
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Prepare the Flan Mixture:
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together 4 large eggs until well beaten.
- Add the sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and 1 teaspoon of almond extract. Mix until all ingredients are well combined.
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Pour the Mixture:
- Carefully pour the flan mixture into the caramel-coated mold or ramekins.
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Bake:
- Place the flan mold or ramekins into a larger baking dish and add hot water to the dish to create a water bath.
- Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 45-50 minutes, or until the flan is set. You can check by inserting a toothpick; it should come out clean when done.
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Cool and Chill:
- Remove the flan from the oven and let it cool at room temperature. Once cooled, refrigerate for a few hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld.
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Serve:
- To serve, run a knife around the edge of the mold to loosen the flan.
- Place a serving platter on top of the mold and quickly flip it over to release the flan. The caramel will create a beautiful sauce.
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Top with Summer Fruit:
- Garnish your almond flan with a selection of fresh summer fruits, such as sliced peaches, berries, or apricots.
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Enjoy:
- Serve your Almond Flan with Summer Fruit chilled, and enjoy the delicious combination of creamy flan, nutty almonds, and refreshing fruits.
โฐ Time Needed:
- Preparation: 20 minutes
- Baking: 45-50 minutes
- Cooling and chilling: Several hours or overnight
This Almond Flan with Summer Fruit is a show-stopping dessert that combines the sweetness of caramelized sugar, the creaminess of flan, and the vibrancy of summer fruits. It’s sure to impress your guests at any summer gathering or special occasion! ๐ฎ๐๐ซ๐
Certainly, here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Almond Flan with Summer Fruit. Keep in mind that these values can vary depending on portion size and specific ingredients used:
Nutrition Facts (Approximate values per serving):
- Calories: 300-350 kcal
- Total Fat: 10-15g
- Saturated Fat: 5-7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 90-120mg
- Sodium: 80-120mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 45-55g
- Dietary Fiber: 0-1g
- Sugars: 40-50g
- Protein: 7-9g
- Vitamin D: 10-15% DV
- Calcium: 20-25% DV
- Iron: 2-4% DV
- Potassium: 4-6% DV
Health Information:
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Caloric Content: Almond Flan with Summer Fruit is a calorie-dense dessert due to its high sugar and fat content. It’s best enjoyed in moderation to manage calorie intake.
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Saturated Fat: The dessert contains saturated fats, mainly from eggs and condensed milk. High saturated fat intake may contribute to heart health issues if consumed excessively. Consider lower-fat variations if necessary.
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Protein: Flan contains a moderate amount of protein, which is essential for muscle maintenance and overall body function.
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Calcium: This dessert is a source of calcium, important for maintaining strong bones and teeth.
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Vitamins and Minerals: Flan provides some essential vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin D and iron. However, it’s not a significant source of these nutrients.
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Added Sugars: The primary source of sugar in flan is from the caramelized sugar and sweetened condensed milk. Excess sugar consumption can lead to health issues like obesity and dental problems.
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Fiber: Flan is low in dietary fiber, which is important for digestive health. Consider balancing your diet with fiber-rich foods.
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Portion Control: To enjoy this dessert while managing health, it’s essential to pay attention to portion size and frequency of consumption.
Remember, while Almond Flan with Summer Fruit is a delightful treat, it should be considered an indulgence rather than a regular part of a healthy diet. Enjoy it on special occasions and balance it with a well-rounded, nutritious diet.