Maple Ricotta Flans

A deceptively easy and impressive dessert that can be made up to a day ahead and stored in the fridge until serving.

• Ready In: 55 mins
• Serves: 6

Ingredients

• 1⁄4 cup pure maple syrup, plus
• 1  teaspoon pure maple syrup
• 4  eggs, beaten
• 1 (15 ounce) container ricotta cheese
• 1⁄4 cup sugar
• 1  teaspoon vanilla
•  ground nutmeg (optional) or  cinnamon (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 325*. Divide 1/4 cup maple syrup among six 6oz custard cups; tilt custard cups to coat evenly.
2. In a bowl combine eggs, cheese, sugar, vanilla, and remaining tsp of maple syrup. Mix until well combined but not foamy.
3. Place the custard cups in a 9x13 dish. Divide egg mixture among custard cups. Sprinkle with nutmeg. Place the baking dish on an oven rack. Pour boiling water into the baking dish around custard cups to a depth of 1 inch. Bake for 40-45 mins or until a toothpick inserted near the centers comes out clean.
4. Remove cups from water. Cool completely in custard cups. Cover and chill until serving time.
5. To unmold flans, loosen edges with a knife, slipping point of knife down sides to let air inches Invert a dessert plate over each flan; turn custard cup and plate over together.