Baking 'Blind' for Flan Cases

To bake 'blind' heat oven to 190°C, 375°F, Gas Mark 5. Line a flan ring (traditionally fluted for a sweet filling, plain for savoury) with rolled-out pastry. Lightly prick the base with a fork. Place a circle of greaseproof paper over the pastry, then a layer of rice or baking beans. Bake for 15 minutes if the case is for immediate use with a hot filling. When making a flan for a cold filling, bake for 15 minutes, remove beans and bake for a further 5-10 minutes.