Behind The Scenes: Making Pumpkin Flan at Azúcar, San Diego

[Photographs: Erin Jackson]

Pumpkin cake on the bottom, pumpkin flan in the middle, and salted pumpkin seed brittle on top: if you're looking for an alternative to pumpkin pie that still captures the essence of the season, you'll find it at Azúcar.

"The pumpkin flan becomes more popular every year," says owner Vivian Hernandez-Jackson, explaining that bringing the large size to a Thanksgiving gathering can quickly become a tradition. Once people try it, they fall in love and will accept no substitutes.

We got a backstage pass to see how this tasty celebration of pumpkin is made. Click through the slideshow to see the process for yourself »

The pumpkin flan ($6) will stick around until January 1st. Want a larger size for your Thanksgiving dinner? 10-inch flans are $38, available by advance order only.