Category: Holiday Recipes

Portuguese Baked Stuffed Shrimp – Camarao Recheado

 

Merry Christmas Everyone! Here’s a special recipe for you.

Recipe #48 Taste Portugal 101 Easy recipes cookbook

 Portuguese Baked Stuffed Shrimp

 

Warning!!! This baked stuffed shrimp will drive shrimp lovers crazy! What makes this a Portuguese recipe? The papo secos of course! They’re perfect to make this stuffing because they have great texture and taste which makes a perfect match with the shrimp.

The dish was a very popular menu item at my brother’s Portuguese/American restaurant many years ago. I’ve adapted it through the years and I make for special occasions and holidays such as Easter and Christmas.

The recipe has a lot of steps, but once you make it and see how easy it is, you’ll never through away your old Papo Secos again! Just freeze the rolls  in plastic freezer bags.

The stuffing is very versatile so you can use it to stuff fish, chicken, or even mushrooms (see the photos below). Make a double batch of the stuffing and freeze it in freezer safe plastic bags or bowls.

These shrimp take only 15-20 minutes to bake so it’s an elegant and easy dish to prepare to impress your guests. Serve with Portuguese Rice of course!

Serves 4-6

Ingredients:

2 pounds extra large shrimp (about 10-12 per pound) (peeled & deveined)

3 papo seco rolls (preferably day old)

15 Ritz crackers or any brand of buttery crackers

1 package garlic flavored croutons

1/2 cup celery (finely minced)

1/2 cup onion (finely minced)

3 tablespoons olive oil

1/2 stick (4 tablespoons) of melted butter

1 pound of small or medium raw shrimp (peeled & deveined)

1/4 cup of white wine

1 teaspoon paprika

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 small chicken bouillon cube

2 tablespoons parsley (finely chopped)

Instructions:

Step 1. Peel both sizes of shrimp into separate bowls and reserve the shells. Cook the shells in 3 cups of water and a pinch of salt for about 8 minutes. Strain the broth into a big bowl and let it cool. Throw away the shells.

Step 2. In a small skillet, saute the onion and celery with olive oil for 5 minutes until translucent on medium low heat. Remove the onions and celery with a slotted spoon leaving some of olive oil in the pan. Set the onion mix aside to cool.

Step 3. In the same skillet, add the small shrimp, bouillon cube, garlic, salt and paprika and cook for 1 minute until the shrimp turns slightly pink. Add the wine and cook for another 3 minutes for the wine to reduce. Remove the skillet from the heat and let the shrimp cool while you prepare the bread stuffing.

 

Step 4. Chop the Papo Seco bread (or any crusty day old bread) into small chunks and place into the bowl with the shrimp broth.

Let the bread sit for about 10 minutes to absorb the broth. Mash the bread with your fingers or a fork until it very dissolved with no big chunks left. The bread should be the constancy of a wet dough like batter. If you find the bread too dry add a little more water.

 

Step 5. Crumble the crackers with your hands into the bread. Add the cooked onions and celery and mix the stuffing very well. The stuffing will be wet, but if you find it runny add more finely diced bread or crackers.

Add the cooled shrimp and parsley into the stuffing and mix well. Taste and add more salt if desired. Set aside while you prep the shrimp for stuffing.

 

 The stuffing will have a soft dough consistency and a golden delicious color like this photo.

 

Step 6. Prep the large shrimp for stuffing by gently slicing at the curved end in the butterfly cut. The stuffing goes into the center leaving the tail curved over.

Grease a cooking tray and place each shrimp butterfly up in the pan. Scoop 1 tablespoon or more of the stuffing into the center of the shrimp.

Step 7. Place the croutons in a Ziploc plastic bag. Close tightly making sure no air is left inside. Crumble the croutons into very fine bread crumb like crumbs. This should yield about 1 and 1/2 cups. Don’t be stingy with the croutons. Pile them on the shrimp since they cook up crispy and flavorful.

Sprinkle 1 teaspoon over each shrimp and then add a little melted butter over each one.

***Note you can place the shrimp assembled on a sheet pan, cover with plastic wrap and cook the next day.***

Step 8. Cook in a 375 degree oven for about 15-20 minutes until the shrimp is pink and golden brown.

Remove from the oven. You can leave them in the oven on very low heat to keep them warm before serving or to reheat them.

Be careful since they may become dry if the heat is too high or you leave them in the oven to long. Drizzle more melted butter on top before serving.

 

Make stuffed mushrooms with any leftover stuffing.  Wash and dry the mushrooms and remove the caps.

Place them in a buttered baking dish, fill with the stuffing, croutons and butter.

Bake at 375 for 15-20 minutes until cooked. Heat a can of cream of mushroom soup or shrimp soup and gently spoon around the mushrooms when cooked.

 

A Portuguese Christmas


“Feliz Natal” or “Boas Festas” translates to “Merry Christmas” or “Happy Holidays”!

The Holiday season in Portugal is celebrated as a time for family, of giving and sharing. Towns and homes are decorated with lights and with “Scenes of the Nativity”, or the Presépio which is the main focal point of the Christmas decorations in the Portuguese homes. Some towns mount a living Nativity Scene, with locals and live animals playing the roles at scene at the birth of Christ.
The creche scene was the idea of St. Francis of Assisi in the 13th Century to re-create the stable where Jesus was born at Christmas.

According to the gospels, the crib represents the stable where Jesus was born, a place that is still worshiped in Bethlehem today, at the Basilica of the Nativity.

Based on the interpretation of the Old Testament gospels, the Nativity was represented in the 4th century by the image of the Baby Jesus lying on the ground, accompanied by figures representing the ox, the donkey and the shepherds. The representation of the Crib began to spread from the 8th century onwards.

In Portugal, many creche scenes have locally crafted clay figures. In the cribs at Estremoz and Barcelos, as well as to the baroque cribs designed by the sculptor Machado de Castro at the Lisbon cathedral or by the sculptor António Ferreira at the Basílica da Estrela.

The nativity from the 18th century is centered around the Nativity and the arrival of the Three Wise Men at Bethlehem, but it also recreates Portuguese rural settings, crafts, professions and clothing worn at that time that are now longer used.

You can find famous Creche here and listings of permanent Creche displays all over the world at friendsofthecreche.org.

 

 

Crib Sculpture by António Ferreira at the Basílica da Estrela

Christmas Nativity Portugal

 

Consoada – Christmas Eve Dinner

On Christmas Eve, a family dinner known as the night of the “Consoada” is celebrated. The word Consoada refers to a small meal that is taken at the end of a day´s fasting and derives from the Latin word consolare, meaning “to comfort”.

For most Catholics, (Advent) the period of preparation for Christmas, begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas.

Advent is also refereed to as “little Lent,” because, like lent, it is a time of repentance and fasting. Fasting during Advent used to be universal, most Western Christians today treat Advent as a “Before Christmas Day”.

In the North of Portugal (Minho, Porto and Guimarães), it is the custom for people to reserve places at the table set for the Consoada supper for those relatives who have recently passed away, or else to leave the table laid and a candle or lamp lit throughout the night to comfort and warm their souls. Some families light a “Christmas log,” or cepo de Natal, a piece of oak that burns on the hearth.
Traditionally, the Christmas Eve supper consists of abstaining from meat dishes. The traditional fish, is Bacalhau (salted cod), but other regions eat Polvo (Octopus), or another fish. Many appetizers such as, Bolinhos de Bacalhau, Rissois de Camarao, and many other treats are served. Christmas day meals usually consist of meat dishes such as roast Pork, chicken, or lamb.

Visit Tia Maria’s Blog Youtube Chanel for video recipes!

bolinhos-de-bacalhauBolos de BacalhauCod Fish Cakes

rissoisRissois de Camarao – Shrimp Turnovers

pataniscas-christmasPataniscas de Bacalhau

octopusPolvo – Baked Octopus

bacalhau a maria 8Bacalhau a Maria – Baked Salt Cod with Scalloped Potatoes

 

Bacalhau a Gomes de Sa – Salt Cod

Desserts:

Traditional Christmas treats such as Portuguese cheeses, nuts, and fruits and many desserts adorn the Christmas diner table. The most popular desserts are: “filhoses or filhós“, “Sonhos“, “Rabanadas”, “Aletria”, “Arroz Doce”, and “Pao de Lo” are some of the favorites. Many other regional desserts are prepared according to ancient recipes that are passed on from generation to generation.

sonhos-2Sonhos – Choux Pastry Puffs

rabanadas ChristmasRabanadas – French Toast

Aletria – Sweet Angle Hair Dessert


pao de lo Pao de lo – Sponge Cake

arrozdocevideoArroz doce – Sweet Rice Pudding

FilhosFilhos – Fried Pastry Dough

Pasteis de nataPasteis de Nata – Custard Cups

biscoitos-natalBicoitos – Christmas Cookies

leitecremetiamariafinLeite Creme – Egg Custard


Missa do Galo – Midnight Mass

Missa do Galo or midnight mass, is a custom among Catholics who celebrate Christmas. The Missa do Galo was first included the Christmas celebrations during the 5th century. It is celebrated at midnight, which is the time referred to as being “in galli cantu” (at cock crow), and it was originally the first of three masses comprising the liturgy of Christmas Day.

During the Missa do Galo, people can admire the crib, which has been specially prepared for the occasion, and, after communion, everyone moves up to the altar to “kiss the Baby Jesus”, an act that is sometimes accompanied by songs of worship.

In the regions of Bragança, Guarda or Castelo Branco, a Yule log is burned in the atrium of the village church after mass. It helps keep everyone warm through the night and to wish family and friends a Merry Christmas.

 

Gifts

Santa Claus is named “Pai Natal” (father Christmas). Some families open the presents on Christmas Eve at midnight, while others wait until after Midnight mass. Many open the gifts after the Christmas Eve diner. Others open them in the morning of the 25th, Christmas Day. Some families put one shoe of each child next to the chimney or fireplace instead of a stocking. Children right letters to baby Jesus asking for gifts rather than Santa Claus.

 

Ano Novo – New Year

Traditionally, people go out to the streets to sing “Janeiras” (January songs) between December 25 and January 6. The Janeiras (January songs) is a Portuguese tradition consists of a group of people strolling the streets of a town singing in the New Year.

To the modern eye, Janeiras is like Christmas caroling as this tradition involves a group of friends or neighbors going from house to house singing and sometimes playing instruments. While singing, they review the most important events of the year with a spirit of happiness and great humor. They sing traditional songs and those who pass by are wished a Happy New Year full of luck.

Once the song is done the singers are rewarded with chestnuts, nuts, apples, and cured sausages. These days, chocolates are often offered too. The Janeiras tradition varies from region to region.

In the Algarve, residents form charolas, which are spontaneously formed groups that join together to sing songs of both a religious and a secular nature.

Also in the Algarve, singers receive traditional alms such as one of the seasonal sweet fritters or a glass of brandy. Every year, the municipality of Silves has a festival in January to welcome in the New Year by singing.

New Year’s Eve in Portugal is filled with celebrations. People get together in the 31st December, usually for dinner, and celebrate all night long, saying goodbye to the old year and welcoming the new one — hoping it will bring only good things.

The party in Madeira is renowned for being the most dazzling, with a display of light and color over the whole island you can even see from the ocean. At midnight, there’s a fireworks display in every town.

Everyone eats 12 raisins, with one wish for each month, and drinks champagne to bring in the New Year.

The Bolo Rei (literally the King Cake) is a cake made in the shape of a crown, filled and decorated with dry and crystallized fruits. Hidden inside the cake are a broad bean and a surprise gift. The person who ends up with the slice containing the broad bean is traditionally the one who should provide the next cake. The cake is eaten on Christmas and also on “Dia de Reis” the 12th day of Christmas – Day of Epiphany, when the Three Wise Men arrived at the Nativity and brought gifts to baby Jesus.

 

Dia de Reis – Kings Day – Day of Epiphany 

“Dia de Reis” known as the day of the Epiphany is on the 12th day of Christmas. Children put out their shoes, with carrots and straw to attract the camels of the Three Wise Men hoping that the shoes will be filled with gifts in the morning.

bolo-reiBolo Rei – (King Cake)

 is a particular favorite of the Portuguese during Christmas and is traditionally eaten on January 6, day of Epiphany. The date when the three kings arrived in Jerusalem to greet the newborn baby Jesus. The legend is that the three kings were disputing which one of them would be the first to give their gift to Jesus. Upon their travels they met a baker who baked a cake with a bean inside it. Which ever one of them got the slice of cake with the bean would give their gift first. Through the years coins and trinkets were added to the cake instead of the bean which would bring good luck upon the bearer. Whoever gets the bean has to buy the “Bolo Rei” (King Cake) in the coming year.

 New Year in Madeira

During the family reunion on Christmas Eve it is customary in each madeiran household to have chicken broth, apart from other meat dishes. Also, families usually drink the typical homemade tangerine, orange and anise liqueurs or even a glass of Madeira Wine.

On Christmas Day, generally one chooses pork loin marinated in wine and garlic dish or stuffed turkey.

Other common sweets delicacies of this holiday season are the “family cake”, the Madeira Honey Cake, apart from the popular butter rings or honey or butter biscuits.

 

Meat in Wine and Garlic

1 kg porkloin (with some fat)
2 cups of wine vinegar
Rock salt, to taste
10 garlic cloves
Bread slices, as needed
Bay leaves
Pepper, marjoram, savory

Cut the meat in cubes and season with salt. On the following day, make a marinade with the vinegar, garlic, bay leaves, pepper and herbs. Place the meat in the marinade for at least three days, in a clay pot. Fry with the marinade and serve with the bread, fried in the grease, baked sweet potatoes, fried cornmeal and orange slices.

Madeira Honey Cake

Ingredients for the leavening:

500 g unleavened flour
30 g leavening (baker’s yeast)
about 3 dl water

Knead the flour with the yeast, make a ball, cover with plastic and let rise for 2 to 3 hours.

Remaining ingredients:

1000 g unleavened flour
350 g sugar
300 g butter
150 g lard
clove (about 1.5 g)
fennel (about 1.5g)
15 g cinnamon
50 g nuts
50 g chopped almonds
lemon zest
400 g mixed crystallized fruit
150 g sultanas
15 g baking soda
juice of 1 orange
8 dl Madeira molasses
2 dl Madeira wine

Baking instructions:

Mix the butter with the sugar until creamy, add spices and juice of an orange and a little lemon zest. Melt the molasses and lard together and add to mixture. Add the flour and baking soda and mix for about five minutes. Add to this dough the leaven previously kneaded and continue to mix for an additional 2 to 3 minutes. Lastly, add the crystallized fruit and mix for an additional five minutes. Let rise for 24 hours. Place the dough in greased and wax paper-lined pans (only the bottom of the pan) and decorate the cakes with almonds and nuts on top. Bake them in a 190o degree oven, for 25 minutes. Honey cake is broken by hand.

NOTE: Use pans with removable bottoms, with a diameter of 15 cm and a height of 4 cm and place dough 3 cm high.

Tangerine Liqueur

Ingredients:

1 l sugar cane rum
1 l water
1kg sugar
Rinds of 6/7 tangerines (large and ripe)

Preparation:

Finely cut the tangerine rind, with no white so as to not be bitter. Steep the rinds in the sugar cane rum for 15 days. Once the steeping time has passed, add water and sugar and heat to make simple syrup.

Add simple syrup to the sugar cane rum, removing rinds and filtering the liqueur. It is now ready to serve.

Christmas Tree image credit: http://www.davestravelcorner.com/journals/destination-europe/portuguese-christmas-traditions/

A Portuguese Christmas Videos

Hello everyone. Here’s our collection of classic Christmas recipes Videos collection. Visit our Youtube Channel and enjoy a Taste of Portugal during your celebrations!

Pasteis de Bacalhau – Bolinhos de Bacalhau
Camarao a Mocambique – Portuguese Shrimp Mozambique

Pataniscas de Bacalhau – Salt Codfish Cakes

Rabanadas – Portuguese Style French Toast

Pudim Flan – Caramel Flan

Pao Doce – Portuguese Sweet Bread

Pao de Lo – Portuguese Sponge Cake -12 Days of a Portuguese Christmas

Biscoitos – Biscuit Cookies – 12 Days of Portuguese Christmas

Arroz Doce – Sweet Rice Pudding – 12 Days of a Portuguese Christmas

Cavacas – Popover Pastry – 12 Days of a Portuguese Christmas

A Portuguese Fried Dough Lesson: Filhos, Malassadas and Sonhos

sonhos-2
Sonhos – Fried Choux Pastry Recipe

Sonhos (Dreams) are fried pastry. They are made of basic choux paste dough which uses no yeast, or baking powder. The dough is dropped by tablespoons into hot oil and then fried in round doughnut shapes. They are rolled in a dusting of sugar and cinnamon.

Filhos

Filhós- Fried Dough Recipe

The terms “Filhóses” and “Malasadas” are sometimes used interchangeably, and sometimes one refers to doughnuts while the other refers to fried dough as photo above, without a hole in the center.

Filhós, is a fried pasty made of risen flour dough and always referred to as Filhós in the mainland of Portugal. However some of the Islands of Azores and Madeira also call them Filhós. It may get confusing, but it seems that what you call them depends on what region of Portugal your family is from and where you live now.

Malasadas are typically “Portuguese donuts”, a ball of fried yeast dough without a hole in the middle like regular donuts. After frying, they are rolled in confectioners sugar and sometimes filled with cream. This is an example of the famous Malasadas from Leonards Bakery in  Honolulu, Hawaii which is famous for their Malasadas. There are many shops throughout Hawaii that feature them as well. This tradition was brought to Hawaii from the Portuguese immigrants from Madeira, Portugal.

malasadas

coscoroes
Coscoroes – Fried Pastry Recipe

Coscorões are fried dough often referred  to as Angel wings, and similar to filhos. However, no yeast or other leavening agents are used to make the dough. They are usually made during the Christmas season.

Roasted Butternut and Acorn Squash

Roasted Acorn SquashRoasted Acorn squash is easy to prepare. Simply wash the squash and slice it into one inch slices. Remove the seeds with a spoon. Place on a cooky sheet coated with a little cooking spray. Sprinkle with salt a little paprika for color and a little olive oil. Bake at 400 degrees F. for about 20-30 minutes.

Roasted butternut squash

Butternut squash is perfect for roasting. If you like sweet potatoes you’ll love this squash. It’s sweet and velvety.  Simply wash and dry the squash. Slice in half and remove the seeds with a spoon. Place on a foil lined cooky sheet. Sprinkle with a little olive oil and salt. Bake at 400 degrees F for about 20-30 minutes. Serve as is or scoop out and place in a serving bowl.

 

Bachalhau Com Grao Assado- Salt Cod with Chick Pea Bake

DSC06668

One bite brings me home to Portugal!

DSC06666Bacalhau com Grao is as classic home comfort food, one of the most popular dishes, and served in most Portuguese homes and restaurants. This recipe is versatile, so you can add more or less of the ingredients to your taste. You can serve this dish as a hot bake or as a cold salad. You can also substitute the chick peas with chopped cooked potatoes, or use many bean varieties such as black eyed peas, white beans etc. I sauteed the onions for a sweet flavor addition but many recipes use raw chopped onions. Once you try this recipe you’ll find that you’ll make it often because it’s so easy to make. Enjoy!

Ingredients:

2 pounds of cooked and flaked salt cod

1 large onion (sliced)

3 cloves garlic (minced)

2 large 28 -32 oz. cans of cooked chick peas

6 hard boiled eggs (crumbled)

1 bay leaf

1/2 cup of Portuguese olive oil

3 teaspoons fresh chopped parsley for garnish

olives for garnish

salt and pepper to taste

dash of white wine vinegar

Preparation:

Drain and rinse the chick peas and set aside.

Saute the onions in 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil until caramel colored. Remove bay leaf and add a pinch of salt and pepper.

In a deep dish pan, layer 1/2 of the chick peas, followed by 1/2 of the cod. Top with 1/2 of the sauteed onions and 1/2 of the garlic. Repeat with remaining chick peas, cod, onions and garlic.

DSC06663
Top evenly with eggs and poor the remaining olive oil on top. Add a pinch of salt and pepper and a drizzle of the vinegar. Top with the eggs and place in a 350 F. oven for about 15 minutes or until hot. Garnish with the fresh parsley and olives and serve with more olive oil on the side if needed.

If you want to serve it cold just top with the eggs, parsley and olives and enjoy!

DSC06664
DSC06665


 

Maria Cookies and Cream Strawberry Banana Trifle

Maria banana cream trifle
Dig in!

Maria Cookies add crunchy layers to this easy trifle recipe. Fresh bananas, strawberries, and home made whipped cream create a melt in your mouth fruit bomb! Bring it to your next cookout or family gathering.

 Strawberry season is here!

freshstrawberriesIngredients:

3 large bananas (sliced thin)

1 or 2 quarts of strawberries (sliced thin)

1 package yellow cake mix (follow directions) (or use a pre made store bought cake)

1 package Maria cookies (Bolacha Maria)

2 packages instant vanilla pudding (follow directions)

2 cups (1 pint) heavy cream

3 tablespoons powdered sugar

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

bananabolacha maria

DSC06649Preparation:

Prepare cake per package directions. When cake is done, let cool and cut into 2 inches cubes. Set aside.

Prepare pudding per package directions and set aside. Prepare the whipped cream.

Whipped Cream instructions: Place mixing bowl in freezer for a few minutes to chill bowl. Place the cream in mixing bowl and beat until soft peaks form. Add the sugar and vanilla and beat on high until stiff peaks form. Place in refrigerator until ready to begin assembling the trifle.

DSC06645Assemble:

Place 1/3 of the cake at the bottom of a large glass bowl. Spread cake with 1/3 of pudding, then layer 1/3 bananas, 1/3  strawberries. Add layer of Maria cookies. Top with 1/4 whipped cream.

Continue layering leaving a top layer of the remaining bananas, strawberries and whipped cream. Top the trifle with crushed Maria cookies. Chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Dig in and enjoy!

DSC06648

Seafood Chowder with 1920 Portuguese Brandy

seafood chowder
Are you drooling yet? This is my favorite soup which I make every summer after our families Father’s Day clam bake! This is a great way to use up the leftover seafood and corn.  Here’s the recipe for the Clam Bake.

I add a little 1920 Portuguese brandy to the broth for an added kick. Serve with an extra shot of brandy to drizzle into the chowder. The flavor is intense, rich and creamy. You’ll never through out that day old lobster again!

DSC05817

Ingredients:

Lobster shells from 3 lobsters

Meat from 1 lobster (or 1-2 cups) chopped into small pieces

1 pound shelled shrimp (raw or cooked)

1 pound little neck clams (with or without shell)

1 pound mussels (with or without shell)

2 cups of corn kernels

2 tbsp of Brandy (I used 1920 Portuguese Brandy)

2 cups fish or chicken stock

1 small onion (finely minced)

1 celery stalk (finely minced)

4 tbsp butter

1 tsp paprika

1 tsp pepper

2 tsp salt

1/2 cup of  flour

2 cups of light cream

1/2 gallon of whole or light milk

Lemon wedges for garnish

Parsley for garnish

 

DSC05816Preparation:

In a medium pan, place the lobster shells in the stock and milk and cook on medium heat for about 10 minutes. This will infuse the stock with the lobster. Strain the broth, remove shells and discard shells.

lobstercornchowder

In a large stock pot, saute the onion, and celery in the butter until translucent. Add the flour, and stir until the flour has melted into the butter. Add the seafood, corn, milk broth and remaining ingredients except the cream, brandy, and lobster pieces and stir on low heat. Cook on low for a few minutes.

Cover and continue cooking for 15 minutes on low  heat or until thickened. Add the cream, lobster pieces and brandy. Simmer on low heat for another 10 minutes stirring gently. Taste and add more salt and pepper if desired. Note: If you want a thicker chowder milk a little flour with milk in a small bowl and add to the chowder. Cook for a few minutes until thicker.

Serve garnished with lemon wedges and parsley.

DSC05819Serve with an additional  shot of 1920 brandy. Drizzle it into the chowder for a kick!

portugal-world-cup-celebrate

 

Portuguese Flan 2 ways – Flan de Vinho do Porto e Flan de Aniz

Flan

This is such an elegant dessert for your next celebration. Flan is very easy to make despite it’s appearance and these two variations on the original flan recipes create a unique taste.

Ingredients:

6 large eggs

3 cups (whole milk)

1 cup sugar

1/4 tsp salt

2 teaspoons either Port Wine or Anisette (Aniz) Liquor

Caramel glaze ingredients:

1 cup sugar

Preparation:

Note:Take your eggs out of the fridge a few hours before you start to get them to room temp or place them in a bowl of lukewarm water for about 20 minutes.

Prepare Caramel glaze first:

Place the sugar in a large heavy skillet. Continue stirring while cooking on medium heat until the sugar melts and begins to turn caramel colored and thickens like corn syrup. (probably 5-8 minutes depending on your burners) If you notice it begin to smoke remove immediately from the burner. If you smell a burned aroma, start over since the syrup will taste bitter. Pour the caramel into a souffle dish and slightly shift the dish side to side to coat the bottom and sides up to 1/2 inch or so. Set aside while you make the flan. You will notice the caramel as hardened which is good.

Prepare custard:

In med bowl, beat the eggs with 1 cup sugar until lemony colored. Meanwhile, heat up the milk until hot but not boiling.

Let the milk cook down a little and then add about 1/4 cup of milk, to the eggs while continuing to beat on low. *If the milk is too hot, you’ll  discover that you just made scrambled eggs.

Continue beating and slowly add the milk 1cup at a time until all of the milk is incorporated.

At this point you can beat in, either the port wine or the anisette.

Let the egg mixture rest to let the foam subside a little, then run through a strainer and slowly pour it into the souffle dish that has been coated with the caramel.

Place the flan dish into a larger oven proof deep dish pan (bain -marie) that has been filled with 1 inch of water.

Cook at 350 for 60 -75 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.  Let the flan cool in it’s pan and place it in the dish in the refrigerator overnight.

When ready to serve, loosen the sides of the flan with a knife and giggle the pan to loosen it.

Cover the top of the flan with a deep serving dish and invert it. Spoon out the caramel over the flan.

Serve as is, decorate with candy pearls or with whipped cream!

+