Glossary B
Blintzes refers basically to Jewish crepes. A Blintz is a thin, flat pancake rolled around a filling. It looks a little like an egg roll. As a main dish or side dish, blintzes can be filled with sweetened cottage cheese or mashed potatoes and onion; as a dessert, they can be filled with fruit, such as apple, cherry or blueberry. They are usually fried in oil. They are generally served with sour cream and/or applesauce. The word "blintz" comes from a Ukrainian word meaning "pancake."
Blintz which is also known as Blini is also a traditional Russian pancake not too different from a crepe. Pancakes in Russia are usually made with yeasted batter, which is left to rise and then diluted with water or milk. They are then baked in a traditional oven, but nowadays they are usually pan-fried. These are best served with sour cream, jam, honey or caviar.
Blini are a staple food on Russian tables and are also eaten during the spring festivities of Maslenitsa.
Bitterballen refers to Dutch small dough coated deep-fried potato balls, meat balls or croquettes which are usually served very spicy and used as appetizers or snacks.
Bulb Baster refers to a kitchen utensil that assists with basting, which is a method of moistening food during the cooking process. Basting is usually used when cooking meat. The head of the Bulb Baster is squeezed, creating a partial vacuum, and then the stem is inserted into the juices at the bottom of the pan. When the pressure is released on the bulb, the juices are drawn into the stem so they can be transferred over and around the meat, adding flavor and creating a glaze.
Bunya Nut refers to a kind/type/variety of nut that can be eaten raw when fresh, or boiled to make it easier to extract the nut from the hard shell. Bunya Nuts can then be sliced or pureed and added to desserts and savoury dishes. The nuts which can also be made into a flour can also be used to make breads and cakes, as a condiment for desserts such as ice cream or baked goods,
Bunya Nut is native to Australia that grows on Bunya pine trees. Bunya Nuts are covered by a hard fibrous shell. Its meat is cream colored, has chestnut-like texture that tastes somewhat like a macadamia or pine nut. Bunya Nuts are easily spoiled, hence it is recommended that they must be refrigerated or frozen to extend its shelf life.
Ballerine refers to a short cut pasta. It is cone-shaped, with a curled, ruffled top. Ballerine is a dried pasta made in Florence, Italy formed or shaped like a lily flower which is the symbol of Florence. Ballerine is synonymous with Campanelle, Riccioli and Gigli Pasta
Ballerine can be used for making salads and soups. Suitable for thick sauces.
Good with thick sauces.
Short cut pasta suitable for salads or soups