Blintzes/Blintz

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.