My friend Paul stockpiled Flan for Y2K. He knew the threat of a resurgent Spain--the Inquisition, conquistadores, and the sound of a th in every word. My friend Cynthia sent this flan recipe for your safety.

Ingredients

2 Tbsp + 1/2 tsp granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 cup evaporated, skimmed milk
1 cup skim milk (Use milk if you don't care about fattening things. Besides, it's flan!)
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp coconut extract

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray four 6-ounce custard cups with nonstick cooking spray. Place cups in a baking pan. Heat 1 quart water until boiling.

In small nonstick skillet, heat 2 tablespoons sugar over medium heat. Shake and tilt the skillet until the sugar melts and turns a light amber. Pour immediately into the custard cups, dividing evenly.

In small bowl with whisk, beat eggs; whisk in evaporated and skim milk, 1/2 tsp sugar, vanilla, and coconut extracts until blended but not frothy.

Pour egg mixture evenly into custard cups. Pour boiling water into the pan. Bake 40 minutes, or until centers of flans move slightly when cup is moved back and forth.

Remove custard cups from pan immediately; cool on wired rack 15 minutes, then refrigerate until ready to use. To serve, run a knife around edge of flan. Invert each flan onto a serving plate.

Yield: 4 servings

Calories per serving: Are you kidding?