Blini

     The original blini are similar to French crêpes, if only a bit thicker. This is the kind that you will be served 99% of the time in Russia. There are even cafés dedicated to them, the blinochnayas. They can be paired with anything you can think of: ground meat, cheese, smoked fish, fish roe, sour cream, jam, honey, etc.

• 12 oz flour
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp powdered orange peel (optional)
• 3/4 tsp salt
• 2 tsp sugar
• 12 oz milk
• 5 eggs
• 12 oz water
• 2 oz butter, melted

     In the bowl of an electric mixer, mix the flour, baking soda, powdered orange peel, salt, sugar, milk and eggs with the paddle attachment on medium speed until smooth. Add the water and melted butter and mix again. Cover with plastic wrap and let rest for 30 minutes.