Tag: flan

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Christmas Around the World–Spain

In Europe, Spain is located in between Portugal and France. Big thanks to my map makers K and G.

Christmas in Spain kicks off on Christmas Eve with a dinner feast. After the feast, most Spaniards attend the Misa Del Gallo (midnight mass) and, in days gone by, would walk the streets carrying torches and playing music while saying “Esta noche es Nochebuena, no es noche de dormir!” (This night is Christmas Eve and is not meant for sleeping!)

Gift giving in Spain is not just for Christmas Day, but is also practiced on Epiphany (January 6th). In Spanish, Epiphany is called “Fiesta de Los Tres Reyes Mages” (The Festival of the Three Magical Kings). Children write letters to the Three Kings asking for toys and gifts. On the Thee Kings Day Eve, they will leave their shoes on windowsills or under the Christmas tree to be filled with presents.

The Spanish flag, courtesy of Kamryn.

BOOK FOR SPAIN:
“The Story of Ferdinand” by Munro Leaf

Today’s story isn’t a Christmas story, but the setting for “Ferdinand” is in Spain. Plus, Costa Rican Christmas got me in the mood for reading a story about bullfighting. Of course, as far as I know, there are not bullfights at Christmas time in Spain. As a side note, the movie Ferdinand makes for a fun family movie night!

Here is a link to me reading “The Story of Ferdinand.“ Thanks to Kamryn for assisting and doing all the editing for this story

This is a cute book, set in Spain, about a bull who loves flowers!

TRADITIONAL DESSERT FOR SPAIN:
Spanish Flan

Flan is a common dessert in Spain. Here is a link to a very easy Instant Pot recipe for Spanish Flan!

Spanish flan with a dark caramel syrup, just the way I like it!

CHRISTMAS SONG FOR SPAIN:

Here is a link to Rudolfo el Reno (Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer) in Spanish. It is kind of fun because it has the lyrics written out in Spanish.

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Spanish Flan

Flan is a common dessert in Spain. Some even credit the Spanish for preserving the sweet version of this recipe from the Romans. This is an easy instant pot version that I make in my 8qt. Instant Pot and have loved each time I have made it!

The dark syrup pictured here is just how I like it!

Ingredients:
1/2 c. sugar
2 T. water
3 large eggs
2 c. half and half
1 t. vanilla
pinch of salt
1/4 c. sugar

Set out 6 custard cups (Make sure all 6 fit into your instant pot. I use a trivet at the bottom and then another trivet, set upside down on top of the bottom cups, to make a two stories of custard cups.). In a medium sauce pan, stir the 1/2 c. sugar and 2 T. water over med. high heat until it starts to brown. The darker the caramel gets, the more bitter the flavor. I prefer mine pretty dark, my family likes theirs very light. Pour the caramel evenly into the custard cups. Rinse the sauce pan to reuse in the next step.

In a mixing bowl, beat 3 eggs with a whisk. Set aside. In the sauce pan, mix the 2 c. half and half, 1/4 c. sugar, 1 tsp. vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Stir over med. heat until the sugar dissolves. Pour the mixture into the eggs while whisking constantly. Pour very slowly at first to temper the eggs. You can pour faster towards the end. Cover each cup tightly with foil. Put 1.5 c. of water in your Instant Pot and then add your covered custard cups. Cook on high for 9 minutes and do a full natural release. When the pressure is down, remove the lid and press cancel. When the custard cups are cool enough to touch, move them to the fridge to chill for a minimum of 4 hours. Serve by running a knife around the edge of the custard to release it from the cup and then inverting it onto a plate.