Why is flan so popular in Latin America?
Spain & Portugal flan was influenced by Moorish culture that had occupied Spain during the Middle Ages. The Moorish have very sweet egg-rich desserts, some using the egg whites left over from a pudding using only egg yolks. In the Spanish kitchen, milk and cream are often used for desserts. One of the most traditional flan flavoring is almond. The Spanish often use almonds for a lot of their desserts. Flan is also very popular in a catholic dominated Spain because of Lent, when meat is forbidden. As there are many varieties, Spain gives it a sweeter, softer taste and combines simple ingredients to make this gourmet dessert. Flan arrived in Latin America by the well known Christopher Columbus who was sailing under the Spanish flag. In some Latin America countries the traditional eggs-based, home-made dessert is known as “milk flan” or even “milk cheese”.
