Chinese Steamed Flan

I’m a big believer that a meal is not complete unless it ends with something sweet. That something sweet doesn’t have to be fancy or decadent. It doesn’t have to include the words molten, chocolate or cake. It can even come wrapped in a noisy, plastic wrapper. All I care about is speed – how quickly it arrives after the meal, and satisfaction – how deeply it works to end my craving.

During these hot months, I’m usually quite happy with standby ice creams, sorbets and other icy concoctions. Most nights, fresh sliced mangoes, cherries or strawberries even do the trick. However, this past weekend, I wanted more. I needed more. I was craving something just a little different, a little special – that I could whip up without the use of my oven in 90 degree heat and more importantly, with minimal effort. It’s summer, ya know, and there’s much time to be wasted beachcombing for sea glass, taking long, lazy mid-afternoon strolls, or simply sitting by the dock of the bay.
I see gorgeous fresh eggs in the refrigerator and after a quick phone call to Mom (Thanks, Mom!), I’m on my way. Unlike a typical flan, this one requires no water bath, no baking, less eggs and less sugar. It’s a healthier, lighter, speedier version of the decadent dessert we all know and love. Just pull out your handy dandy steamer and in 15 minutes flat, the flan cooks to perfection. After an overnight slumber in the fridge, you’re left with a smooth, silky, cooling treat, blanketed by a thin layer of velvety caramel. Plus, it’s easy on the eyes and leaves more free time to be wasted this summer.