Russian Memories

Back in 2005, I had the opportunity to travel to Russia and teach at an english camp. It was a camp for Russian college students to spend a week improving their english... most of them were already fluent in english. We roomed with them, ate with them, taught classes for them during the day, hosted a "texan" rodeo for them, and even turned the chapel into a "disco" and danced with them at night. When the week was over, us Americans got to tour Russia for a few days. We toured Moscow then took an overnight train to St. Petersburg. It was so much fun! I love experiencing other cultures and cuisines. While touring several museums in St. Petersburg, we made a stop at a very unique looking blini stand. With help from our Russian friends, we ordered a very large russian pancake called a blini. They were filled with either cheese and meat, chocolate, or a fruit spread and folded twice to make somewhat of a triangle. They were delicious! Here is a picture of the blini stand and the blini....



I had a free evening and some pears that needed to be eaten, so I tried to make my own blinis... a healthier version of course :) I filled the blinis with a pear and blueberry compote. They ended up being miniature because I didn't have a big enough pan, but tasted like the real thing... well, from what I could remember of the real thing, its been a few years!



For the pear and blueberry compote:

Place chopped pears, blueberries, and a small amount of water in a baking pan. Sprinkle some brown sugar and cinnamon on the top and baked on 400 until soft. After the fruit is done cooking, pulsed the fruit and juice from the bottom of the pan in a food processor.

For the pancake:

3/4 cup whole wheat flour
Pinch of salt
Cinnamon
2/3 cup milk (I used almond milk)
1 egg white
1/2 cup low fat vanilla yogurt
Honey

Mix dry and wet ingredients in separate bowl. Pour the wet mixture into the dry and stir just to combine. Spoon two large scoops onto a greased pan on medium heat then spread the batter out to make a large thin pancake. If the batter doesn't stick together on the pan, add a little more flour.

When the pancake is done, spoon the compote on the pancake and fold in half, then fold in half again. Grab an extra napkin, it will be messy!