Amazing Creme Caramel

To caramelize sugar, in a heavy medium skillet, cook the 1/3 cup sugar over medium-high heat till the sugar begins to melt, shaking skillet occasionally. Do not stir. Once the sugar starts to melt, reduce heat to low and cook about 5 minutes more or till all of the sugar melts and is golden brown, stirring as needed with a wooden spoon.

Remove skillet from heat and immediately pour caramelized sugar into a 9-inch flan pan or a 9x1 1/2-inch round baking pan (or divide caramelized sugar among six 6-ounce custard cups). Working quickly, rotate pan (or cups) so sugar coats the bottom as evenly as possible. Cool.

Meanwhile, prepare the custard. Remove the peel from the oranges, lemons, or limes with a vegetable peeler.

In a medium saucepan, heat the half-and-half, citrus peel, and cinnamon sticks over medium-low heat for 15 minutes or just till tiny bubbles form around the edge. Meanwhile, whisk the eggs and egg yolks in a medium bowl until mixed. Gradually whisk in the 2/3 cup sugar; set aside.

Strain half-and-half mixture; discard citrus strips and cinnamon pieces. Slowly stir the hot half-and-half into the egg mixture. Stir in the vanilla.

Place prepared flan pan (or custard cups) in a shallow roasting pan on an oven rack. Pour egg mixture into the prepared pan (or custard cups). Pour hot tap water into the roasting pan baking pan around the flan pan (or custard cups) to a depth of about 1/2 inch. Bake in 325 degree F oven about 45 minutes for 9-inch pan (35 minutes for custard cups) or till knife inserted near center comes out clean. Cool 1 hour; cover and chill 2 to 24 hours.

To serve, unmold flan by loosening edges with a knife. Slip the end of knife down sides of pan to let in air. Carefully invert a serving platter over pan (or a dessert plate over custard cup); turn dishes over together to release custard. Spoon any caramelized sugar that remains in pan on top. Serve with Raspberry Sauce or Hot Chocolate Sauce. If you like, garnish with whipped cream, fresh fruit and edible flowers.