Spanish Caramel Custard

When i think of Spain the first thing which comes to my mind would be saffron , now may be  FIFA. Saffron not only gives a nice golden yellow colour, it also gives a wonderful aroma . Saffron is not only used widely in Spain it's also widely used in Iranian, Indian, Arab and Turkish. In Indian cuisine saffron is commonly used in sweets for it's colour and aroma but in Iranian, Spain and Arab food they use  for rice and other meat dish also.

Saffron comes  from the stigma of the flower  Saffron Crocus. Saffron is also one of the most expensive spices.
To have a detailed study about the saffron click here.
In this traditional Spanish Caramel Custard i have used orange zest and saffron as flavouring but you can also replace it with just vanilla or cardamom.
Serves 4
Ingredients:
Whole Milk- 4oo ml
Eggs- 2
Cornflour- 1 tsp
Grated orange zest- 1/2 tsp
Saffron- 1/4 tsp soaked in 1 tbsp of warm milk
Agave syrup- 4 tbsp or Sugar- 100 g
For The Caramel
Granulated Sugar- 100g
Water- 3 tbsp
Orange juice- 1/2 tbsp
Method:
Beat together the eggs, cornflour and agave syrup. Bring the milk, orange zest and saffron to boil just under boiling point. Pour the milk slowly into the egg mixture whisking continuously. Return the mixture to the pan again and bring it to heat, stirring continuously under medium to low heat until the mixture coats the back of the spoon. Remove it from heat, cover the top of the mixture with a cling film and let it cool down.
To prepare the caramel mix the water and sugar together in a pan and bring it to heat. Keep the flame in low until the sugar is completely dissolved in water. Once the sugar is dissolved bring it boil, when the sugar turns golden caramel in colour immediately take it off from heat and add the orange juice to stop cooking.
Take four ramekins and quickly pour the caramel in the four ramekins and swirl it around.
Preheat the oven to 180 degree Celsius. Pour the custard mixture into the caramel coated ramekins. Bake it in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes or until the custard is completely set.
Let it cool down before you serve.
This recipe goes to A.W.E.D Spain hosted by Priya Mitharwal originally started by DK of Chef in you and  Cold Dessert hosted by Torview. This recipe also goes to Versatile Kitchen Bake- Off Event.