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Holiday Blini Appetizer

Delicate blini topped with smoked salmon and crème fraîche, perfect for holiday parties and gatherings.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 18 blini
Course: Appetizer, Party
Cuisine: American, Holiday
Calories: 85

Ingredients
  

Blini Ingredients
  • 1/3 cup buckwheat flour
  • 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 3/4 tsp kosher salt
  • 3/4 cup whole milk
  • 1 extra-large egg
  • 1 stick unsalted butter (to be clarified) (about 4 tbsp clarified butter is used)
Toppings
  • 1/2 lb thinly sliced smoked salmon Choose fresh and high-quality salmon
  • 1/4 cup crème fraîche or sour cream Use sour cream for a sharper taste
  • Fresh dill sprigs For garnish

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Clarify the butter by melting the stick of butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Skim the foam from the top and pour off the clear golden butter, leaving the milky solids behind.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the buckwheat flour, all-purpose flour, baking powder, and kosher salt.
  3. In another bowl, whisk the milk, egg, and 1 tablespoon of the clarified butter until smooth.
  4. Combine the wet and dry ingredients and whisk just until combined, being careful not to overmix.
Cooking
  1. Heat 1 tablespoon of clarified butter in a medium sauté pan over medium-low heat.
  2. Drop batter by tablespoon into the pan, cook for about 2 minutes until bubbles form, flip and cook for about 1 minute more until golden brown.
  3. Wipe the pan clean between batches and add 1 tablespoon of clarified butter each time, continuing until all the batter is used to yield about 18 blini.
Topping and Serving
  1. Arrange the warm blini on a platter and top each with smoked salmon, crème fraîche, and a sprig of dill.
  2. Serve warm or at room temperature. Store any leftovers properly, reheating before adding toppings.

Notes

Make the blini ahead of time and store them. Top with salmon and crème fraîche just before serving to keep bites fresh.