Cheese Blintzes: Delightful European Pancakes with Creamy Cheese Filling

Cheese Blintzes: Delightful European Pancakes with Creamy Cheese Filling

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Cheese Blintzes are a delicious and elegant dish that originates from Eastern Europe. These light, delicate pancakes are filled with a rich and creamy cheese mixture, making them a perfect treat for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. The blintzes can be enjoyed plain or topped with a dollop of sour cream, sweet fruits, and a drizzle of honey or berry sauce.

Ingredients:

For the Blintz Batter:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup milk
• 3 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Cheese Filling:

• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 large egg yolk

For Cooking:

• 2 tablespoons butter

Instructions:

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, milk, eggs, melted butter, sugar, and salt until smooth. Let the batter rest for about 30 minutes to allow the flour to absorb the liquids.
2. While the batter is resting, prepare the cheese filling. In a separate bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, cream cheese, sugar, vanilla extract, and egg yolk until smooth and well combined.
3. Heat a non-stick skillet or crepe pan over medium heat and lightly grease it with butter. Pour about 1/4 cup of batter into the pan, swirling the pan to create a thin, even layer.
4. Cook the blintz for about 1-2 minutes on each side, or until golden brown. Repeat with the remaining batter, greasing the skillet with more butter as needed.
5. To assemble the blintzes, place about 2 tablespoons of the cheese filling in the center of each pancake. Fold the sides over the filling, then fold the top and bottom to form a neat package.
6. In a large skillet, melt the remaining butter over medium heat. Add the folded blintzes seam-side down and cook until golden brown and heated through, about 2-3 minutes per side.
7. Serve the cheese blintzes warm with a dollop of sour cream, fresh fruits, and a drizzle of honey or berry sauce if desired. Enjoy your delightful European pancakes with creamy cheese filling!

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