Dubrovnik Rozata

Dubrovnik Rozata is a traditional Croatian dessert similar to crème caramel. It is a creamy custard dessert with a caramelized sugar topping.

Ingredients - Serves 6

Preheat the oven to 350°F.
In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup of sugar and 1/4 cup of water. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar dissolves and turns into a caramel syrup.
Pour the caramel syrup into the bottom of a round baking dish, tilting the dish to evenly coat the bottom.
In a separate saucepan, heat the milk and vanilla extract over medium heat until it starts to steam. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, 1/2 cup of sugar, lemon zest, and rum.
Slowly pour the warm milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly.
Pour the custard mixture over the caramel syrup in the baking dish.
Place the baking dish in a larger baking pan filled with hot water, creating a water bath.
Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the custard is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
Remove the baking dish from the water bath and let it cool to room temperature.
Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight, to allow the rozata to fully set.
To serve, run a knife around the edges of the baking dish and invert the rozata onto a serving plate. The caramel syrup will create a beautiful topping.
Slice and serve chilled. Enjoy!