Cheese Blintzes

Cheese blintzes are a delightful Eastern European treat, perfect for breakfast or dessert. They consist of delicate crepes wrapped around a creamy, slightly sweet cheese filling and are lightly pan-fried until golden and crisp. Often served with fruit compote or a dusting of powdered sugar, these tender parcels offer a beautiful balance between the rich cheese and the thin, light crepe. Whether you’re enjoying them for a special brunch or a sweet end to your meal, cheese blintzes are a satisfying comfort food that can be enjoyed any time of the day.

Ingredients:

For the crepes:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup milk
• 1/4 cup water
• 2 tbsp melted butter
• 1 tbsp sugar
• Pinch of salt
• Butter or oil for frying

For the cheese filling:

• 1 cup ricotta cheese or farmer’s cheese
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 large egg yolk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Zest of 1 lemon (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the crepes:
   In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, eggs, milk, water, melted butter, sugar, and salt until smooth. The batter should be thin and pourable. Let it rest for 15 minutes to allow the flour to fully hydrate.
2. Cook the crepes:
   Heat a non-stick skillet or crepe pan over medium heat and lightly grease it with butter or oil. Pour about 1/4 cup of the batter into the pan, swirling it to evenly coat the bottom. Cook for about 1-2 minutes until the edges begin to lift and the bottom is lightly golden. Flip and cook for another 30 seconds. Transfer to a plate and repeat with the remaining batter.
3. Make the cheese filling:
   In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta or farmer’s cheese, cream cheese, sugar, egg yolk, vanilla extract, and lemon zest. Mix until smooth and well combined.
4. Assemble the blintzes:
   Lay a crepe on a flat surface. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the cheese filling into the center of the crepe. Fold the sides over the filling, then fold the top and bottom edges in to create a neat package.
5. Fry the blintzes:
   In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of butter or oil over medium heat. Place the filled blintzes seam-side down in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, until golden and crispy.
6. Serve:
   Serve the cheese blintzes warm, topped with powdered sugar, fruit compote, or a drizzle of honey. Enjoy!

These can also be frozen before the frying step and reheated when ready to serve.