flan

I’ve never been a big fan of pumpkin pie. To me they’re chalky and mushy in texture and overly spiced in flavour and yet they lack any depth or richness. This year I had a gluten intolerant guest coming to Thanksgiving, so I wanted to create something he could eat too.

This dessert is impressive looking yet it’s really simple to make. The custard inside is creamy and silky smooth (like chawanmushi or silken tofu). The cardamom, nutmeg and orange peel give it a warm slightly floral aroma that is vaguely reminiscent of a more traditional pumpkin pie and yet has more depth and character. The pumpkin shell adds its own nutty sweetness and the firm fleshy texture gives the dessert structure.

I like to serve this cold so it holds its shape, but you could certainly serve it warm in a bowl. The first night I poured some grade B maple syrup on top along with some freshly grated nutmeg, but you could also serve it with acacia honey and cinnamon. The second night I sprinkled some sugar on top and got the blowtorch out to give it a crisp burnt sugar crust on top.

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