A touch of fresh ginger adds dimension to these pumpkin flans.

Makes 6 servings

ACTIVE TIME: 30 minutes

TOTAL TIME: 3 1/2 hours

EASE OF PREPARATION: Easy

3/4 cup plus 1/3 cup sugar, divided
1/3 cup water
2 large eggs
4 large egg whites
1 cup canned unseasoned pumpkin puree
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3/4 cup low-fat milk
3/4 cup evaporated fat-free milk

1. Preheat oven to 325°F. Put a kettle of water on to heat for the water bath.
2. Combine 3/4 cup sugar with 1/3 cup water in a small heavy saucepan. Bring to a simmer over low heat, stirring occasionally until sugar melts. Increase heat to medium-high and cook, without stirring, until caramel turns amber, 5 to 7 minutes. (Watch so that it does not burn.) Carefully pour caramel into six 3/4-cup ramekins and tilt to coat insides evenly. Set aside.
3. Whisk eggs, egg whites and remaining 1/3 cup sugar in a mixing bowl until smooth. Add pumpkin puree, ginger and vanilla; whisk until smooth. Stir in low-fat and evaporated milks. Pour into prepared ramekins. Skim off any air bubbles.
4. Place a folded kitchen towel in a roasting pan. Place ramekins on towel. Add enough boiling water to the pan to come halfway up the outsides of the ramekins.
5. Bake flans until a knife inserted in their centers comes out clean, 45 to 50 minutes. Remove ramekins from water and let cool on a wire rack. Cover and refrigerate until chilled, at least 2 hours.
6. To serve, run a knife around the edge of each flan and invert into shallow dessert bowls.

NUTRITION INFORMATION: Per serving: 230 calories; 2 g fat (1 g sat, 1 g mono); 74 mg cholesterol; 45 g carbohydrate; 9 g protein; 1 g fiber; 116 mg sodium; 252 mg potassium.
Nutrition bonus: Vitamin A (133% daily value), Calcium (15% dv).
3 Carbohydrate Servings
Exchanges: 3 other carbohydrate

MAKE AHEAD TIP: Cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days.