Almond Leche Flan

🌰🍮 Almond Leche Flan: A Sweet Delight 🌰🍮

Almond Leche Flan is a delicious dessert that combines the creamy richness of traditional leche flan with the nutty flavor of almonds. Let’s dive into its history, components, preparation steps, and time required to make this delectable treat! 🤩

History:
Leche flan, also known simply as flan or caramel custard, has its origins in Spanish cuisine. It was introduced to the Philippines during the Spanish colonial era, and over time, Filipino cooks put their unique twist on it. Almond Leche Flan is a delightful variation that adds a nutty dimension to this classic dessert.

Components:

1. Eggs: You’ll need fresh eggs, which are a key ingredient for creating the custard base.
2. Condensed Milk: Sweet and creamy condensed milk is another essential element.
3. Evaporated Milk: Evaporated milk adds to the lusciousness of the flan.
4. Sugar: Sugar is used to make the caramel sauce that coats the bottom of the flan mold.
5. Almonds: Toasted almonds or almond extract provide the distinct almond flavor.

Preparation Steps:

1. Prepare the Caramel: Start by melting sugar in a saucepan until it turns into a golden-brown caramel. Pour this into your flan mold or ramekins and let it cool to harden.

2. Create the Custard Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine eggs, condensed milk, evaporated milk, and almonds or almond extract. Whisk the mixture until smooth and well combined.

3. Strain the Mixture: To ensure a smooth and creamy texture, strain the custard mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into another bowl.

4. Pour into Mold: Carefully pour the custard mixture over the hardened caramel in the flan mold.

5. Steam or Bake: You can either steam or bake the flan. To steam, cover the mold with foil and place it in a steamer for about 30-45 minutes, or until the flan is set. If you prefer to bake, place the mold in a larger pan with hot water and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 45 minutes to 1 hour.

6. Cool and Chill: Once done, remove from heat and let it cool to room temperature. Then, refrigerate for a few hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld.

7. Unmold and Serve: To serve, run a knife around the edge of the mold to loosen the flan, then invert it onto a serving platter. The caramel will flow over the top, creating a beautiful glaze.

Time Required:

• Preparation: 15-20 minutes
• Cooking/Steaming: 45 minutes to 1 hour
• Cooling and Chilling: 4-6 hours (or overnight)
• Total Time: Approximately 5-7 hours

Almond Leche Flan is a delightful fusion of flavors that adds a nutty twist to the classic Filipino dessert. It’s sure to impress your taste buds and your guests with its creamy texture and rich almond flavor. Enjoy! 🌰🍮😋

Certainly! Here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Almond Leche Flan:

Nutrition Facts (Approximate per serving):

• Calories: 250-300 calories
• Protein: 4-6 grams
• Carbohydrates: 30-35 grams
• Sugars: 25-30 grams
• Fat: 12-15 grams
• Saturated Fat: 6-8 grams
• Cholesterol: 70-100 milligrams
• Sodium: 60-80 milligrams

Health Information:

1. Caloric Content: Almond Leche Flan is a rich dessert, and while it’s delicious, it’s also calorie-dense. Be mindful of portion sizes to avoid excessive calorie intake.

2. Protein: This dessert provides a small amount of protein, but it’s not a significant source. To balance your diet, ensure you’re getting enough protein from other sources.

3. Carbohydrates and Sugars: The high carbohydrate content primarily comes from sugars. It’s important to consume sugary treats like this in moderation, as excess sugar intake can lead to health issues like obesity and diabetes.

4. Fat and Saturated Fat: Almond Leche Flan contains a moderate amount of fat, with some of it being saturated fat. Saturated fats should be consumed in moderation, as they can contribute to heart health issues.

5. Cholesterol: Eggs are a primary ingredient in flan, and while they are a source of cholesterol, current dietary guidelines suggest that dietary cholesterol has a limited impact on blood cholesterol levels for most people. Still, individuals with specific dietary restrictions should be mindful.

6. Sodium: The sodium content is relatively low, which is generally a positive aspect for overall health. Excessive sodium intake can contribute to high blood pressure, so it’s good that this dessert isn’t overly salty.

In summary, Almond Leche Flan is a delightful treat but should be enjoyed in moderation due to its calorie, sugar, and fat content. It’s a dessert best savored occasionally as part of a balanced diet.