Artisanal Blinis (Frozen)

TASTING NOTES FROM THE CURATOR

Sometimes spelled “bliny,” the blini is a traditional Russian pancake made from wheat, eggs, and milk. It’s one of the most popular Russian dishes. Round, with a deliciously alluring aroma, they’re soft and fluffy, and very tasty. Unlike “regular” pancakes, they have an almost savory flavor to them, making them great vessels for various garnishes and toppings.

PREPARATION AND PAIRINGS

These artisanal blinis can be eaten a variety of ways—truly, there is almost no limit to what you can top it with. Have it with a smear of butter, and a dollop of jam. Put some crème fraiche on it, and top with some smoked salmon. You can also try a combination of Brie cheese and cranberry sauce, or a more dessert-y duo of Nutella and banana slices. And of course, blinis are perfect the traditional Russian way—paired with caviar.

FROM A HAPPY ACCIDENT, A THOUSAND YEARS AGO

According to Russian lore, a wanderer overcooked his breakfast oats into a thin solid disc in a pan and created what could be considered the very first pancake. Because of their round shape, these round capes that came to be called blinis were incorporated into the Slavic festivities at Maslenitsa, a day to worship the sun.

More modern traditions took over and blinis have become the central part of what is affectionately called butter week, a promise of new beginnings at the end of winter. Of course, you can have them any other time of year now, too.

Storage Instructions

These blinis will arrive to you frozen. Store in the freezer.

To refresh frozen bread, take it out of the freezer to thaw in the parchment for about six hours. Preheat your oven to 200°C and reheat for 5-10 minutes or until they are at the desired warmth. You may also microwave them at high power for 2 minutes or until warm.