Pumpkin Caramel Flan

The holidays are over but I thought I'd bring this one back. It is a rich desert but still better than the ones you get at the store. Try this Pumpkin Caramel Flan as a lighter alternative. You probably know that most of the fat in pies is found in the crust - well this delicious dish gives you all of the pumpkin taste that you love without the guilt-ridden crust. Yields 10 servings.

Ingredients:

Caramel:
3/4 cup sugar
3 tablespoons water

Flan:
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon cardamom
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups pumpkin puree (canned or fresh)
1 (12 oz) can evaporated skim milk
3/4 cup egg substitute
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Instructions:

1-Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Melt the sugar and water in a heavy-gauged saucepan over medium heat. Stir while sugar melts. Let mixture boil without stirring for at least 5 minutes or until the liquid turns golden brown. Immediately pour into a 9" baking dish.

2-Mix all dry ingredients together in a medium bowl - set aside. Mix the pumpkin, evaporated milk, egg substitute and vanilla in a bowl. Add the dry ingredients and blend well. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.

3-Place the dish in a larger pan and pour hot water into the larger pan until the water comes halfway up the edge of the baking dish. Bake for 1 hour or until flan is set.

4-Cool at room temperature and then refrigerate for at least 4 hours and up to 1 day before serving. Before serving run a sharp knife around the edge of the flan and invert onto a platter, making sure that the caramel runs down the top and sides. Garnish with sprinkled cinnamon and chopped nuts. Enjoy.

Nutrition facts: Here by popular demand, I will now be displaying the nutritional facts for the healthy recipes included in each newsletter. Check out how our Pumpkin Carmel Flan measures up against Traditional Pumpkin Pie - 120 fewer calories and 16 grams less fat.

Pumpkin Caramel Flan
Calories: 200
Total fat: 1g
Protein: 6g
Carbohydrate: 43g

Traditional Pumpkin Pie
Calories: 320
Total fat: 17g
Protein: 6g
Carbohydrate: 47g