The Winter Olympics start this week! I can’t wait. In honor of the games being held in Russia, I researched some recipes and gave them a try. One of the recipes I loved were traditional Blini or Russian Crepes.
I grew up having “Rolie Polies.” My Aunt Janet called them that and the name stuck. I didn’t even know that the real name was crepes until I went away to college. At school we had a floor lounge where we could make simple dishes (reaaaaally simple dishes- it wasn’t a kitchen). One of my friends had a crepe maker that we all loved to use. She eventually gave me one that I have held on to for over fifteen years. I pulled it out for this recipe. I couldn’t find my version online but this crepe maker is similar to the one that I own. Using a crepe maker makes is so easy. All you do is turn it on, put the batter in a shallow dish, dip the maker into the batter and wait until the light turns on that it’s done. It’s totally worth the $30ish in my opinion for the headache free, perfectly done crepes. But don’t use cooking spray. I learned that the hard way! *Affiliate links were used above.
To make crepes, you only need a handful of ingredients and a little patience. If you don’t have a crepe maker, it takes some practice to get the right rhythm down in the pan. The two biggest things are- use a small amount of batter (thin layer) and quickly tilting the pan in a circular motion.
Russian Blini aka Crepes
Ingredients
- 2 eggs
- 2 c milk
- 1 tbsp sugar
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 c flour
- 2 tbsp oil
- Optional filling - fruit, Nutella, jam, yogurt
- Optional drizzle - sweetened condensed milk, powdered sugar
Instructions
- Whisk eggs, milk, sugar and salt.
- Slowly start stirring in flour, adjusting as you go.
- Stir in oil.
- Let sit for 15 minutes.
- Rub oil on pan if not using crepe maker.
- Use a small cup (start with ¼ c) to pour batter into the pan and tilt in a circular motion to cover the pan in a thin layer.
- Cook for approximately 2 minutes until brown on one side, flip and cook for just 30 more seconds.
- Fill with jam, fruit, Nutella, etc.
- Drizzle sweetened condensed milk or powdered sugar.
Nutrition
Recipe slightly adapted from Russian Bites.
According to articles I read traditional Blini is served with sweetened condensed milk, jam and/or sour cream. While I had those options available for my family, I also pulled out fresh fruit, Nutella and powdered sugar.
When we made these crepes I had some Vanilla Strawberry Whip on hand. Josh went weak in the knees when I added it to the crepes. Whip some up and spread a layer in the crepes.
Are you excited for the Olympics too? Make sure to download Opening Ceremony BINGO sheets:
Accidentally Wonderful says
These look delicious! I’d love it if you’d share this at my link party, going on now! http://www.accidentallywonderful.blogspot.com/2014/02/accidentally-wonderful-wednsday-4.html
Heather {Woods of Bell Trees} says
These look absolutely perfect in every way! WOW!
Audrey says
The recipe looks great, but I love the Bingo cards even more. My son is really into Bingo right now so this will be perfect for us.
Julia says
I love crepes, and thanks to you, I now know they eat them in Russia too! My family calls them Swedish pancakes!
Mique says
Yes I didn’t realize that they had them in Russia either. I’ve always thought they were Swedish/Danish too. But I went on a search to find out what food they eat in Russia that I could make for my family for the Olympics and found these. I was excited! I think it’s more about what you put in them for different parts of the world. My family loves Nutella and bananas. I love powdered sugar and fruit. Not very “Russian” but still fun to celebrate the Olympics. Enjoy!
Kristyn says
Lorin served his mission in Russian (also in Sochi) – I’ll have to ask him if he’s had these. They look delicious!!
Mique says
How cool!! I bet he is so excited about these games. Curious if he had them too. I went on a search to find out what traditional Russian food is and was happy to find these since we already love them. xo
Brandyn | Southern Distinctions says
Crepes are a favorite, but I’ve never gotten the hang of them. These look so delicious! I may have to go out and get a crepe maker. Between these and crepes grand marnier I think it’s a must!
Mique says
I hear ya Brandyn. There is definitely a rhythm if you don’t have a crepe maker. My mom made them for years – they were always a treat. Let me know if you get a crepe maker! It makes it SO easy.
jen @ Tatertots & Jello says
Fabulous!! I can’t wait to make these!!
xoxo
Mique says
Thanks Jen! They are so good.
Desiree @ The36thAvenue says
Yummy! Pinning :)
Mique says
They are so yummy Desi! xo
Jamielyn@iheartnaptime says
These look so good! We love crepes! Can’t wait to try your recipe!
Mique says
Thanks Jamielyn! Enjoy. :)