Question: I have searched cookbooks and the Internet for any recipe that resembles the fabulous Mocha Flan served at the Rio Grill in Carmel, California. If you can get their recipe, you will truly be a magician! -- Margaret Jasper, Saratoga, Calif.
Answer: Carmel-by-the-Sea was founded in 1904 as an art colony. The residential part of the town, devoid of street signs and streetlights, is America's fantasy village. The scent of Monterey pines pervades the air, charming cottages boast window boxes laden with colorful blooms, and European-style courtyards invite exploration.While there, try the extraordinary cuisine at Rio Grill. Cap off the evening with Mocha Creme Caramel Flan, the restaurant's creamy signature dessert. It's an easy, make-ahead dessert sure to draw raves.
MOCHA CREME CARAMEL FLAN
Caramel:
1 1/4 cups sugar
1/4 cup water
1/4 cup light colored corn syrup
Custard:
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1/2 cup milk
3 1/2 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped
1 tablespoon instant espresso
1/8 cup sugar
2 egg yolks
2 eggs
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/8 teaspoon salt
Caramel: Place sugar, water and corn syrup in a saucepan over medium heat and simmer 3-4 minutes or until mixture reaches a medium caramel color.
Divide mixture evenly between six 3-ounce ceramic ramekins.
In a large saucepan, bring cream and milk to a boil. Remove from heat and add espresso and chocolate. Stir until chocolate is dissolved and ingredients are well blended. Combine eggs, yolks, sugar, vanilla and salt. Slowly pour some of the warm mixture into the eggs. Fill molds with custard and bake in a covered water bath at 325-degrees until set, approximately 20-25 minutes. Yields 6 servings.
America a la Carte welcomes recipe requests. Send the complete address of the restaurant along with your name, address and phone number to: America a la Carte, P.O. Box 5994, Austin, TX 78763-5994; or fax 512-453-2145. Email: (amercarte@aol.com)