Flan de Calabasa (Pumpkin Flan)
                                                                

Serves 8

Ingredients:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees                        
1/2 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup brown sugar
3/4 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp ginger
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1/4 tsp coarse salt
1-1/4 cups pumpkin puree
1-1/2 cups half-and-half
5 large eggs, beaten
1 tsp vanilla extract
whipped cream, if desired, for topping

Directions:
In heavy skillet heat 1/2 cup sugar until melted and caramel colored. Pour into 9-inch ceramic or pyrex pie pan and swirl to coat bottom evenly. Whisk together brown sugar and spices to blend, then stir in pumpkin. In separate bowl whisk together eggs, vanilla and half-and-half. Stir into pumpkin mixture to blend thoroughly. Put the pie pan in a large roasting pan, then pour the custard over the caramelized sugar. Carefully add hot water to roasting pan to reach halfway up sides of pie pan. Bake until custard is set, about 1-1/4 hours. Allow to cool, then chill in refrigerator.