via foodnetwork.com (courtesy Emeril Lagasse, 2004)
Combine lime juice and sugar in a bowl, and whisk to dissolve the sugar. Pour half of this mixture into a blender. Add 1 cup vodka and 4 cups ice, and blend until smooth. Repeat with remaining ingredients. Serve immediately, garnished with lime slices. Serves 8.
Preheat oven and a 9×13 pan (half-filled with water) to 350 degrees.
Caramelize a small saucepan: Pour 1/4 c of the sugar into the pan and heat over low heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon until sugar melts and turns into a golden brown caramel. This should be done slowly; it should take 20 – 25 minutes. If you melt the sugar more quickly, the taste won’t be as rich. Once the caramel is ready, swirl pan to coat.
Beat evaporated milk, yolks, white, vanilla, and remaining ½ cup of sugar in blender, just until mixed. Pour mixture into caramelized pan.
Place saucepan into preheated pan of water. Bake 45 minutes, then refrigerate.
To serve, remove top skim with fork and discard. Place serving plate over top of saucepan and invert. Caramel sauce will run, so flip quickly and make sure the plate is large enough or has a lip to contain the sauce.