Classic Leche Flan (Caramel Custard)

Leche Flan is a dessert that's close to "home". I remember looking forward to our visits to our grandparents in the province and expecting to take home a linera (aluminum molds) or two of Leche Flan especially when there is a special occassion or handaan.

Once, I have watched my cousins, who live in the province, prepare the Leche Flan mixture sooo meticulously and I think me and my family have tried to make our own Leche Flan at home a long, long time ago. But nothing...nothing that we make at home comes close to the Leche Flan that they make at the province.

Hence, I am aware of the fact that making the perfect Leche Flan takes a lot of great care and effort...and maybe a secret or two!

There's no question for me what a perfect Leche Flan is. To me, a perfect Leche Flan has no bubbles/holes in it (some call it weeping or syneresis) and, most of all, it just melts in your mouth. Heavenly! :-)

Inspirations: Chocolates and Raspberries

I have a little confession to make...I am a SUCKER for chocolates! :-D

That's why I can't help myself but to watch these Julia Child's videos that I found at PBS.com. 

There are two things that I love about these videos. First, Chefs Alice Medrich and Marcel Desaulniers, used chocolates (of course!) in their sweet creations. And, second, they shared a couple of unique cake decorating/presentation ideas.

Red Velvet Cake

For my first New Year's Eve here in the US, I chose to bake something that not only appeals to me but that which can give positive vibes....something to start the year 2010 right. :-) So I chose to bake a Red Velvet Cake to welcome the year. After all Asians, the Chinese specifically, associate red with good luck. Although I'm not a Chinese and not a real believer of superstitions or anything of that sort, the Red Velvet Cake just tugged at my heart. It's something that I just needed to try! :-D

What to Expect When Spooning Sweets from Annie's Kitchen?

Hi! Welcome to Annie's Kitchen!

After cooking some home-cooked meals (Please see my other blog: What's Cooking in Annie's Kitchen?), it's time for D-E-S-S-E-R-T!!!

There's something about spooning sweets that makes me smile, that makes me happy, that makes me feel like a child, that brings out the child in me. :-)

Spooning sweets is the best way to end my lengthy stays in my kitchen, where i have had my share of adventures. Before you form any misguided impression of me....I am NO cooking professional! But I would like to consider myself as someone in between a cooking enthusiast and a home cook in training.