We made this flan in a 4-cup savarin mold, but a 9 × 2-inch round cake pan or a 9-inch glass pie plate can be used as well.
Recipe information
Yield
Makes one 1-inch flan
Ingredients
Preparation
Step 1
Preheat the oven to 450°F. Place the sweet potatoes on a baking sheet, and roast until very soft, about 1 hour. Allow to cool. Peel off the skin, and discard. Place the sweet potatoes in the bowl of a food processor, and puree until completely smooth. Measure 1 1/2 cups puree, reserving any excess for another use. This step may be done 1 day ahead.
Step 2
Reduce the oven to 325°F. Combine 1 cup sugar and the water in a small saucepan, and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves. Brush down the sides of the pan with a pastry brush dipped in water to prevent crystallization. Increase heat to medium-high; boil, without stirring, until the syrup turns a deep amber, 5 to 6 minutes. Pour the caramel into a savarin mold or a 9 × 2-inch round cake pan. Holding the pan with pot holders, swirl to coat the bottom and halfway up the sides of the dish.
Step 3
In a large bowl, combine the sweet potato puree, remaining 3/4 cup sugar, allspice, cinnamon, salt, eggs, and egg yolks. Mix in the vanilla and scalded milk, and then pass the mixture through a fine sieve. Pour into the caramel-lined pan, and cover with foil. Set in a roasting pan, and pour boiling water into the roasting pan halfway up the sides of the flan dish.
Step 4
Bake for 50 to 55 minutes, or until the center of the flan is nearly set: A thin-bladed knife inserted in the center should come out clean. Let cool to room temperature, and place in the refrigerator to chill overnight.
Step 5
To unmold, run a sharp knife carefully around the flan, and cover with a serving plate; invert quickly. Remove the pan; serve.
