Flan

In his series Marcus' Kitchen, chef Marcus Samuelsson shares dozens of recipes that prove "American" cuisine is really a delicious melting pot that draws upon flavors from all over the world.

In this video, Marcus prepares flan -- also called crème caramel. Marcus' version of this classic, yet simple custard is made with sweetened condensed milk, milk, sugar, water, eggs and vanilla. The main ingredient in the dessert -- sweetened condensed milk -- is affordable and available at any grocery store, so this recipe can quickly and easily be whipped together for any occasion.

To make the flan, Marcus first simmers the condensed milk, milk and vanilla, and in a separate pot, caramelizes some sugar, which will serve as the flan's top layer. After pouring the caramelized sugar into four ramekins (you can also use an individual round 9-inch cake pan), Marcus adds the condensed milk mixture, and then places the ramekins into a bain marie -- this "water bath" is simply a broiler pan filled with about an inch of hot water (this cooks the flans gently so the eggs don't coddle). This goes into the oven for about 45 to 60 minutes, and after the flan has cooled, Marcus loosens its edges with a knife, and inverts each ramekin over a plate to reveal the flan's golden brown top.

Get the Recipe for Flan.