Cheese blintzes are a traditional Eastern European dish, perfect for breakfast or dessert. These delicate crepes are filled with a sweet, creamy cheese mixture and are often lightly fried to golden perfection. Topped with fresh fruit or a dollop of sour cream, they offer a wonderful balance of flavors and textures that can be enjoyed warm or cold.
Ingredients:
For the Crepes:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup water (if needed for thinning the batter)
For the Cheese Filling:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese or farmer’s cheese
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 lemon (optional)
- Pinch of salt
For Frying and Serving:
- Butter, for frying
- Fresh fruit (strawberries, blueberries, etc.) or fruit preserves
- Sour cream or powdered sugar (optional)
Instructions:
1. Make the Crepes:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, milk, eggs, sugar, melted butter, and salt until smooth. The batter should be thin and pourable. Add water to thin it out if necessary.
- Heat a nonstick skillet or crepe pan over medium heat. Lightly grease with butter.
- Pour about 1/4 cup of batter into the skillet and swirl it around to create a thin, even layer.
- Cook for 1-2 minutes, until the edges are lightly browned and the crepe easily lifts from the pan. Flip and cook the other side for about 30 seconds. Repeat until all the batter is used, stacking the crepes with wax paper between them.
2. Make the Cheese Filling:
- In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta (or farmer’s cheese), softened cream cheese, sugar, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and salt. Stir until smooth and creamy.
3. Assemble the Blintzes:
- Place a crepe on a flat surface. Add about 2 tablespoons of the cheese filling to the center.
- Fold the sides of the crepe inward over the filling, then fold the bottom up and roll it like a burrito, creating a neat, sealed packet.
4. Fry the Blintzes:
- In a skillet, melt a little butter over medium heat.
- Place the filled blintzes seam side down and fry until golden brown on each side, about 2-3 minutes per side.
5. Serve:
- Serve the cheese blintzes warm with fresh fruit, fruit preserves, sour cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar.
Enjoy these light, creamy delights with your favorite toppings!
