Creme Caramel (aka Flan)

It's creme caramel in France, flan de huevo in Spain, bánh flan in Vietnam, puding karamel in Malaysia, crema volteada in Peru....no matter where you are in the world, the transformation of simple ingredients (eggs, milk, cream, sugar and vanilla) into a free-standing, caramel-glazed custard delights everyone. When done right, the texture is incredibly silky smooth, (lighter than creme brulee), with prominant vanilla flavors playing off the nutty, slightly bitter-sweet notes of caramel. Elegant and simple, to be savored with a slow spoon and a cup of coffee.