Step 1

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.

Step 2

In a heavy bottomed pan over high heat, add the 1/4 cup sugar and water.

Step 3

Allow to cook undisturbed until caramelized and brown in color (about 5 minutes)

Step 4

Divide the caramelized sugar between 4 ramekins.

Step 5

Add the remaining sugar, eggs, and vanilla to a bowl and whisk well.

Step 6

Meanwhile, heat the milk over medium heat just until bubbles start to form - do not boil.

Step 7

Add a little bit of the hot milk to the sugar egg mixture while continuously whisking.

Step 8

Add the remaining milk while continuing to whisk.

Step 9

Divide the milk mixture between the four ramekins.

Step 10

Place the ramekins into a baking dish and add boiling water for a water bath.

Step 11

Bake for roughly 60 minutes or until the flan is set - the centers should be only slightly jiggly.

Step 12

Remove the ramekins from the water bath and allow to cool on a wire rack.

Step 13

Once cool, chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight.

Step 14

To serve, run a knife around the edge of the flan and flip onto a serving dish.