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Tuesday, November 17, 2009

C. H. O. C. O. F. L. A. N. ...it speaks for itself...

...but I like to chime in, too! Are you ever torn between rich, fudgey chocolate cake and smooth, creamy flan? Now, I'm talkin' about the kind of chocolate cake that is not only rich...but moist and dark and sinful. And then there's flan...with its luscious texture that just melts when it hits your tongue...melted caramel topping it all off. Well, I'm here to tell you that you must choose no more! You can just have both! ChocoFlan will wow! you and satisfy both of your cravings. It is often called an "impossible cake" because of the way the layers switch places in the oven...but trust me, it's not impossible. Well, impossibly delicious, perhaps. ChocoFlan
(aka Flan Imposible, Pastel Imposible, Impossible Cake)
Serves 12 generously
Recipe from Season 6 of Mexico--One Plate at a Time 


 For the mold:
A little softened butter and some flour
1 cup store-bought or homemade cajeta (goat milk caramel)


For the cake:
5 oz. (10 Tbs.) butter, slightly softened
1 c. sugar
1 egg
2 Tbs. espresso powder dissolved in 1 1/2 Tbs. hot water (or 3 Tbs. espresso)
3/4 c. all-purpose flour
 1 c. cake flour
 3/4 tsp. baking powder
3/4 tsp.baking soda
1/3 cup plus 1 Tbs. cocoa powder
9 oz. buttermilk


For the flan: 
1 (12-ounce) can evaporated milk
 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
4 eggs
1 tsp. pure vanilla extract, preferably Mexican Vanilla

 Prepare the mold: Turn on the oven to 350 degrees and position the rack in the middle. Generously butter the bottom and sides of a 10-inch round cake pan (you need one that's 3 inches deep), sprinkle with flour, tip the pan, tapping on the side of the counter several times, to evenly distribute the flour over the bottom and sides, then shake out the excess (if you don't have a 3" cake pan...invest in one...so worth it! I ordered mine from my local pastry shop). Microwave the cajeta (Cajeta is a goat's milk caramel...the flavor is amazing!! Use it if you can find it for sure!) for 30 seconds to soften it, then pour over the bottom of the pan, tilting the pan to coat the bottom evenly. Set a kettle of water over medium-low heat. Set out a deep pan that's larger than your cake pan (a roasting pan works well) that can serve as a water bath during baking. Dissolve your espresso powder in the water Make the cake: With an electric mixer (use the flat beater, if yours has a choice), beat the butter and sugar at medium-high speed until light in color and texture. Scrape the bowl. Beat in the egg and espresso. Sift together the all-purpose and cake flour, baking powder, baking soda and cocoa. Beat in about 1/2 of the flour mixture, at medium-low speed, followed by 1/2 of the buttermilk. Repeat. Scrape the bowl, then raise the speed to medium-high and beat for 1 minute.Layer and bake: Scrape the cake batter into the prepared cake pan and spread level.  Make the flan: In a blender, combine the two milks, the eggs and the vanilla. Blend until smooth.Who else loves the bonus sweetened condensed milk crystals/candies that stick to the bottom of the can sometimes? BONUS!! I just eat 'em out with a spoon. Slowly, pour the flan mixture over the cake batter. (I find it easiest to pour the mixture into a small ladle, letting it run over onto the batter.) Pull out the oven rack, set the cake into the large pan, then set both pans on the rack. Pour hot water around the cake to a depth of 1 inch. Carefully slide the pans into the oven, and bake about 45 to 50 minutes, until the surface of the cake is firm to the touch, except for the very center . Remove from the water bath and cool to room temperature, about 1 hour. Carefully run a thin-bladed knife around the edge of the cake/flan to free the edges. Invert a rimmed serving platter over the cake pan, grasp the two tightly together, then flip the two over. Gently jiggle the pan back and forth several times to insure that the cake/flan has dropped, then remove the pan. Scrape any remaining cajeta from the mold onto the cake.Remove a slice and prepare to say Wow!! ...and in unrelated fun....look at my new tattoo!!! I took the pictures myself, so you can't see if fully...but once it's completely healed I'll show it off some more :) It's tree...which to me represents life in all of it's glorious (and inglorious) stages. Its roots form a peace sign (which I just realized you can't really see in these pics). Rooted in the ground and reaching for the sky. Changing of the seasons represent ever changing life. The winds of change blowing in the background can be unexpected and stir things up...but I must stay grounded. And be at peace with myself (while keeping my arms outstretched towards a higher power). Basically. It's done around 2 tattoos that were already there...incorporating my past into my present...I could go on... 

Would you like to comment?

  1. Wow! I'm not sure which is more impressive - the chocoflan or the tattoo. I love them both!

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  2. Cajeta is another new food sensation for me. It never ceases to amaze me. Shall we talk about the tatoo BBFF:D Look forward to full pics.

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  3. Wow, the tattoo!! Did you have it done at "Miami Ink"?

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  4. OWWWWW! Didn't that hurt? It's quite impressive, though.

    And that flan! Oh my....

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  5. Your flan is just spectacular. I think a bit of cinnamon in the cake layer would make it more interesting still.

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  6. I just fell off of my chair! I am drooling over the stunning pictures of this amazing chocoflan! OMG how can this be real? I have never seen anything so fabulous! And that tattoo! I am jealous! I want one as beautiful as that! You are amazing!

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  7. Impressive dessert. Mr. Mimi is a flan lover and what a lovely surprise this would be for him. Your tatoo is amazing.
    Mimi

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  8. The chocoflan looks fantastic! Oh would I love a slice of that. I can only imagine how incredible it must taste! Beautiful colors in that tattoo...

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  9. That goats milk caramel, OMG! I want it now...

    I have a tattoo, and want color added...yours is beautiful!

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  10. You are one super cool chic Heather ! Thats an Incredible Desert... and thats a Gorgeous Gorgeous Tatoo !

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  11. Your tatoo is beautiful. I love all the colors and the design and it is done so well! Good for you :D The flan looks excellent too.

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  12. you are a work of art... Thanks for sharing the body art, and as to the recipe... It may just be a flan I could like. My wife loves flan , but i always want something more substantial... Looks great

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  13. Wow, so intricate and colourful! Reminds me a bit of my 1968 storybook Tiki Tiki Tembo - the Chinese story - with the old man's dream sequence.
    Lovely looking flan - when are you starting up a Bayless group? Us Canadians need to learn about Mexican food!

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  14. I was shocked when I read that you have another tattoo i was like i wonder where she put it...but it looks really good over the old one blends right in; and my lips are sealed! And the chocoflan..how do I get away with being ur sister and never had this or regular flan; im starting to think ur holdin out on us. ;) What r u bringing to Thanksgiving?
    ~~Jen~~

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  15. wow gal, gal...you did it again! I am impressed!

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  16. first the flan and I thought goodness how could you top this... yet you did... I simply "love" the tatoos... beautiful.... as is the story that goes with it.... would love to hear more...

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  17. Wow! For some reason I don't picture you with a tattoo. It's beautiful! I have a couple of them myself.

    This flan looks amazing! I'm loving the chocolate and espresso together! :D

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  18. I have never heard of such a thing!! But I want it so bad!

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  19. Ok I have never heard of goat milks caramel but now I really want to try it! I probably won't find it anywhere in my area but I will keep an eye out....

    This flan looks awesome too. You make the best stuff :) BTW I also love Rick Bayless. Not only is he adorable he is a great cook! I wanna try his Oaxacan black mole sooooo bad.

    Now onto your tattoo. It looks awesome! My little brother is a tattoo artist and a pastry chef (what an interesting combo I know!) and he did my last one. I can't wait for my next :)

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  20. When I saw this post I said the "F" word outloud followed by "me"! This looks fabulous and I can't believe I let it slip by unnoticed while scouring my Rick Bayless cookbooks. I will be making this and hopefully successfully.

    Beautiful tattoos by the way.

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  21. I love flan on top of cakes! Gosh this is soo yummy.
    BTW, love your tattoo.I think I'd be too scared to get one.

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  22. That is one serious dessert. I've never seen or heard of anything like it. Wonderful.

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  23. That is some nice ink girlfriend! Makes me want another one myself. Geat job your tat artist did:-)

    The chocolate flan is fabulous!! Really looks good.

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  24. Pal...thanks :D

    Val...yes, lets us talk about it. Anytime!!

    Kenny...nope...I'm assuming that's in Miami...way too far for me to drive for a tattoo ;)

    KitchWitch...yeah, in a way...but not for too long.

    Jamie...I'm blushing.

    Dave...aw, that is so nice, thank you :) Give it a try...amazing combo.

    Natashya...Oh nice, I'll have to look for that book. IDK. You know I want to, but I may lose my mind if I did it right now.

    Jeni...;)thanks sis.

    Janie...I'd love to sit down and talk about it sometime...and thanks! :D

    Kim (ungourmet)...really!? It's my 7th tattoo actually...but once I progress on the sleeve I suppose the arms ones will all become "one". Now, you on the other hand...you have tattoos!? ;)

    Brandy...Fabulous combination!!! (I'm assuming he also has tattoos) I adore cooking/baking men with tattoos! And he's an artist...amazing! Yes, Rick is the MAN!! My molé is an evolution of one that I learned from him years ago. Another thing people ask me for. Often! What are your tattoos? I'm intrigued.

    Lee Ann...LMAO!!!!I don't think it's in any of his books :( I scoured until I found it on his site after seeing it on an episode a couple years-ish back. It's worthy of F + me out loud!! ;)

    Peachy...you've had a baby...you can do anything!:)

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  25. Pierce...thanks!! Only during the second sitting did I find out he would gladly accept German Chocolate Cake as a tip. Next time :)

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  26. that chocoflan sure is speaking to me!! and the tatoo is beautiful but...ouch!! I'm a wimp so I never ventured into tatoos. Well, I think this deserves a toast...wine or pumpkin pie brioche? you pick :)

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  27. Dani...Is there really a choice there? I mean...as much as I adore bread...I am a lush, my friend :D Salud!!! (we can have the PPB with it)

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  28. Fabulous looking dessert! I love flan and chocolate so this is perfect.... I will be trying this.

    Nice tattoo too!

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  29. I don't think I've ever craved flan before, but man this looks amazing! Nice presentation too!

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  30. What beautiful creations! The flan and the tattoo! I love the story behind it. It's gorgeous!

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  31. lovely lovely tattoo. my husband and I decided we would get our first tattoo when we turn 50. I have got about 20 years to plan what i want.

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  32. I like tattoos but I'm not so sure I can commit to any one design. They're so PERMANENT!

    This chocolate cake flan looks incredible. At first I thought it was just a chocolate layered flan until I realized there was cake involved. I'm sold!

    Do you think I could substitute dulce deleche instead of the cajeta?

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  33. That is gorrrrrrjessssssss. IF I make that (and it is an if, because I'm totally intimidated by your advanced cooking skills!) I might sneak in some chili powder- love some spice with Mexican chocolate desserts!

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  34. Sweet lord in heaven! That flan cake! Oh my! I love this recipe. Ridiculous.

    And that is one cool and beautiful tat.

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  35. Best of both worlds in one dessert. Love it!

    grogeous artwork btw;)

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  36. That is a flan that Jack Black would be proud of.

    Daniel

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  37. The flan is just heavenly! And I love your tattoo - gorgeous!

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  38. I'm drooling at that sight of this flan. I'm absolutely speechless. I. Want. It. Now.

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  39. I HAVE TO HAVE A PIECE OF THAT CHOCOFLAN! Oh my god! Also, love the tattoo!

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  40. Gotta love Rick Bayless--I think he needs to be top of the short list for the next IHCC chef. The flan is gorgeous and so is your tattoo. I admire your courage--I would pass out even seeing the needle. ;-)

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  41. I just want you to know that I stared at this in amazement for quite a number of minutes. It looks fantastic! I am bookmarking it times a million. I will probably cook it the next time my friend Tim is here. He LOVES flan.

    That tattoo is amazing. So intricate and colorful.

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  42. You flan looks over the top! Chocolate just brings it to another level.

    Great colors in you tattoo!

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  43. The flan blew me off! Looks extremely delectable!! Sorry but I just had to ask - is your tattoo a permanent one? I had a friend who did a temporary, washable one. Your tattoo is gorgeous, but if I get one, my husband would immediately faint! You rock!!

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  44. i am sadly unfamiliar with flan, but with pictures like these, i'm sold.

    gorg tattoo! i love the bright colors!

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  45. SWOON!!! Oh my god, my keyboard is completely covered with slobber. That looks insane, Girli! So delicious!!!

    I love your tattoo, too :) Great colors and what an awesome tree!

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  46. I love flan and we used to travel to Mexico because...well it's the best flan evah!

    This recipe reads like the "best of everything"! I might have to try this for Thanksgiving!

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  47. Sinful is right! That is one gorgeous flan! And, honestly, I love your tattoo! You obviously have a great artist. I live in Southern California where tattoos are more common than in some parts of the country and I really appreciate the talent. I have one on the inside of my arm that I'm about to have embellished a bit. Thanks for sharing the photos.

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  48. M'sMom...HA!

    Monica...indeed they are ;) And yes, I think dulce de leche would work just fine.

    Lele...make it!! And I bet it would be tasty w/ a little chile powder :)...but maybe omit the espresso?? Cuz that flavor is pretty prevalent!

    Krista...:D Sorry about your Boilers. Kinda ;)

    Daniel...Tee Hee

    Deb...my thoughts exactly!

    Joanne...he will not be disappointed.

    Petite Nyonya...It is permanent indeed :) (and thanks)

    Teresa...familiarize yourself woman!

    Lini...yes, even I can't help but drool over it and wish it wasn't gone!

    LilSis...oooh! I'd love to see it. I'm adding to the inside of mine next!

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  49. Wow the flan and the tattoo and both gorgeous! I sat for two hours for mine and that was more than enough! Plus anyone who says it doesn't hurt is a big fat liar! :)

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  50. This flan has to be among the best of the best! Elegant, suave and sophisticated.

    The colors of your tree tattoo are beautiful! Love the symbolism.

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  51. Wow. I leave blogosphere for a few days and come back wowed. That clocolate flan has me floored. Your tatoo is beautiful - what a grand, fund Thanksgiving you will have.

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  52. 1. I love the tattoo! The colors really pop out. Love that!

    2. omg that flan. Looks like heaven. FEED ME NOW!!!

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  53. Gorgeous flan. Gorgeous tattoo! Wow - it's really stunning! Love the Tree of Life!

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  54. First, cajeta, flan, cake, Rick Bayless, what's not to love! Can't wait for season 6 to hit DVD! Heather, the tattoo is amazing! I've been wanting to get one for quite some time and you've really inspired me to pursue it!

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  55. The flan looks like a piece of heaven, too good to be true, over the top, yummy! Delicious picture!

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  56. What a beautiful tattoo! I love when people have tattoos that really mean something to them and that are representative of their life in the past, present, and future. Oh and the "chocoflan" looks marvelous. I wonder if anyone would be sad if I served that for Thanksgiving instead of apple and pumpkin pie?

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  57. details I am lost on - you pour the flan mixture over the unbaked cake? the flan sinks to the bottom while baking? I am lost - from what I see of the tatoo it looks kind of japanese style - very colorful.

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  58. I'm with Palidor! :) My next thought is can it be made with something other than chocolate cake? Like any other flavor cake? I'm not crazy about chocolate. Even still it would be impossible to turn down a slice!

    Btw, LOVE all the photos!
    ~ingrid

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  59. I adore flan and yours looks tdf! Your tattoo is beautiful a too!

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  60. Guess dessert couldn't get much better than this. :-)

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  61. choco flan sound excellent!! great job girl!!
    cheers!!

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  62. DAR!! I love your tattoo!! Oh my gosh it really is exquisite (if that is even a word used to describe a tattoo?) I was so into the Flan and then completely blown away by the tattoo!!

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  63. Lovely tattoo! I have one in mind but it'll have to wait until my husband is out of the country for a while - he's not a fan!

    The cake looks amazing. I just can't get my head around how it works.

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  64. I took your idea and made a pumpkin pie version of this - I cant wait to cut into it on thanksgiving

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  65. What a stunning creation! I've never heard of cajeta and I'm sure I've never seen it around these parts. Could you use dulce de leche?

    As for the tat, I am impressed! I'm a tattoo girl, too, so I am totally in love with what you've done with your arm! I don't know if I'll ever be able to afford sleeve work like that, but I do have some plans for some one-offs in the future!

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  66. I've never tried flan. When I do, it WILL be this one!

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