Directions

• Place sugar in small heavy saucepan. Heat over medium heat, watching carefully, until sugar is melted and turns deep golden brown. Immediately remove from heat and pour into 9-inch flan dish or pie plate. Holding dish with pot holders, quickly tilt dish to coat bottom completely and evenly. Syrup will harden quickly.
• Heat oven to 350°F. Mix condensed and evaporated milks in medium saucepan; heat until very hot. Milk should be steaming but not bubbling. Meanwhile, beat eggs and vanilla in medium bowl until blended but not foamy; slowly stir in hot milk.
• Place flan dish in baking pan large enough to hold dish without touching sides of pan. Pour egg mixture into flan dish.
• Place pan on rack in center of 350°F oven; pour very hot water into baking pan to within 1/2 inch of top of flan dish. Bake until knife inserted near center comes out clean, 35–40 minutes. Remove dish from water bath at once; cool on wire rack.