Caramel custard

Caramel custard, also known as flan, is a classic dessert that has been enjoyed for centuries. This indulgent dessert is made by combining creamy custard with a layer of caramel sauce, resulting in a sweet, silky dessert that is perfect for any occasion. In this article, we will explore the history, ingredients, and recipe for caramel custard.
History
The origins of caramel custard are somewhat unclear, but it is believed to have originated in ancient Rome, where it was known as "flan." The dessert was made by combining eggs, milk, and honey, and was often served as a sweet snack or dessert. The recipe for flan was later brought to Spain by the Romans, where it was further developed and refined.
In Spain, flan became a popular dessert among the upper class, and it was often served at fancy dinner parties and other formal events. The dessert was typically made with rich cream and eggs, and was often flavored with vanilla or other spices.
Over time, flan spread to other parts of Europe, and it eventually made its way to the New World, where it became a popular dessert in Latin America. Today, caramel custard is enjoyed all over the world, and it remains a beloved dessert that is both simple and elegant.
Ingredients
The ingredients for caramel custard are fairly simple, and most of them can be found at your local grocery store. Here's what you'll need:
For the caramel:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup water

For the custard:

• 1 quart whole milk
• 8 large eggs
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Recipe
Now that you have your ingredients, it's time to make the caramel custard. Here's a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 325°F. Place a large roasting pan in the oven and fill it with enough hot water to come halfway up the sides of your baking dish.
Step 2: To make the caramel, combine the sugar and water in a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium-high heat. Stir the mixture until the sugar has dissolved, then stop stirring and let the mixture come to a boil. Cook the sugar until it turns a deep amber color, then remove the pan from the heat.
Step 3: Carefully pour the caramel into a 9x13 inch baking dish, tilting the dish to coat the bottom evenly. Set the dish aside to cool.
Step 4: In a large bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined.
Step 5: Pour the custard mixture over the cooled caramel in the baking dish.
Step 6: Carefully transfer the baking dish to the preheated roasting pan in the oven.
Step 7: Bake the custard for 50-60 minutes, or until it is set around the edges but still slightly jiggly in the center.
Step 8: Remove the custard from the oven and let it cool to room temperature.
Step 9: Once the custard has cooled, cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 2 hours, or overnight.
Step 10: To serve, run a sharp knife around the edge of the custard to loosen it from the sides of the dish. Then, invert the custard onto a serving platter and slice it into portions.
Variations
Caramel custard is a versatile dessert that can be customized to suit your tastes.