Category Archives: pancakes

A Blintz is a thin crepe where sometimes yeast may be used. The Blintz has both cultural and religious significance, for many people. For example, the early Slavic peoples of pre-Christian times used the round “Blini” as their symbol for the sun and would prepare it at the end of winter to honor the rebirth of the new sun. They also are made to commemorate wakes for the recently deceased. Blintzes first popularized in the United States by Jewish immigrants, as part of their cuisine. They do not have any specific religious rites in Judaism but are tasty treats that are often stuffed with cheese filling and fried with oil and served on holidays like Chanukah and Shavuot.

The first time I was introduced to this dish, was by my husband’s Grandfather Edward. Grandpa Edward is the most interesting, funny and loving man. He was born in 1913 in Poland. When he was 13 years old, he arrived, by way of Ellis Island, to the United States. He often jokes that he thought his father, who was already in the United States, was not going to collect him and his mother because it was a busy day at his Harlem Butcher Shop. He would tell me about how the Immigration Officer had changed his name to make it more understandable. Grandpa Edward grew up living the American dream. He loves music and on the drop of the hat, will belt out a tune..adding his own signature lyrics “doe di oh do.” He is even a World War II Veteran who fought during D-Day. He often tells about the draft and stories of the war. He is 98 years old and as strong and as witty as ever!

Every Wednesday, my husband and I go for breakfast with Grandpa Edward. Wednesdays are Grandpa day. We pick him up and take him to our favorite diner where he gets his usual eggs easy with fries, coffee and half and half—with the meal. Once in a while, he changes his order up and orders Cheese Blintzes. It is one of his favorite meals. I decided to try my hand at making them, just for him. It turned out wonderfully and I loved the look on his face when I told him what I had made for him. Grandpa always appreciates it, when I bring him my homemade treats. I love him very much.

For ease, I used a standard crepe recipe. I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as we did.

Ingredients For Crepes:

3/4 cup of all-purpose flour

1 cup of milk

1 1/2 tablespoon of butter, melted

1 tablespoon of sugar

1 egg

1/4 teaspoon of vanilla

1/4 teaspoon of baking powder

1/4 teaspoon of salt

Cheese Filling:

1/2 cup of cottage cheese (try not to get too much liquid)

1/2 cup of cream cheese, softened

2 tablespoons of powdered sugar

dash of vanilla

Other:

1 tablespoon of butter

Powdered sugar for dusting

Directions:

1. Combine ingredients for crepe in a blender and blend until smooth.
2. Make crepes: heat (on medium) a good frying pan and spray with a thin film of oil (cooking spray)
3. Pour about 1/3rd cup of batter into pan and rotate pan to allow batter to spread across the bottom to make a circle
4. When the edges of the crepes start to brown (about 1 minute), flip over crepe with a spatula and let the other side cook (less than 1 minute)
5. When you have finished making crepes, combine ingredients for cheese filling.
6. Melt 1 tablespoon of butter on medium high heat.
7. Fill crepes with cheese mixture by placing a portion of cheese filling in the center of the crepe, fold opposite sides of the crepe over the cheese and place formed Blintz into frying pan with melted butter.
8. Fry until golden brown, both sides of the crepe.
9. Dust with powdered sugar and serve.

Enjoy!