Blintzes, often known as “blini” in their original form, are a culinary treasure that has captured the hearts and palates of many. Originating in Eastern European Jewish cuisine, these thin crepes are a delightful fusion of delicate pancake-like wraps and flavorful fillings, resulting in a dish that’s both comforting and elegant.

For the Blintzes:

• 1 cup of all-purpose flour
• 1 cup of milk
• 3 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons of butter, melted
• 2 teaspoons of sugar
• Pinch of salt

Combine all the ingredients in a blender or food processor until smooth.  Pour the batter into a pitcher or other container with a pouring lip.  Cover with plastic wrap and let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes, or refrigerate up to 2 days.  To cook, think of crepes!  Use 3 tablespoons of batter for each blintz, but do not turn the blintzes.  Instead cook until the top is dry and set and the underside is golden.  Set the cheese and roll.

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A Shavuot favorite, the blintz is basically a thin crepe-like pancake filled with cheese.  They’re pretty easy to make and pretty tasty on their own, although traditionally they’re usually filled with ricotta or cream cheese.  Mushroom blintzes for instance are a popular appetizer for Friday night Sabbath dinner.  They’re of Hungarian origin, except that there they’re known as palacsinta, pancakes of every kind with various fillings.  This kind was adopted as a specialty of Shavout, when it’s customary to eat dairy dishes.

Spiritually, Shavuot commemorates the giving of the Torah – the sacred text containing Jewish law and teachings – to the Israelites at Mount Sinai. This event is considered the foundation of the Jewish people’s covenant with God and the cornerstone of Jewish identity. A culinary tradition associated with Shavuot is the consumption of dairy foods. This custom is linked to the spiritual aspect of the holiday – just as a newborn baby begins with milk, the Jewish people were “born” anew with the giving of the Torah. Therefore, foods like cheesecake, blintzes, and other dairy treats are commonly enjoyed during Shavuot.

The word blintz – Yiddish & ultimately from Balto-Slavis sources – actually comes from blini, the Russian word for pancakes.  A thin blini filled with cheese, then sautée or baked and served with a yummy sweet sauce turns it into a blintz!

Overall, blintzes are a delicious and comforting pastry that are enjoyed by many around the world. They are a classic dish that has been passed down through generations and are a popular option for anyone looking to add a little sweetness or savory to their breakfast or brunch. In every delicate fold and every bite of creamy filling, blintzes capture the essence of comfort and celebration. These rolled crepes are a testament to the art of combining simple ingredients into a dish that embodies the warmth of tradition and the pleasure of savoring something truly special.