Ukrainian Cheese Blintzes Food

UKRAINIAN CHEESE BLINTZES

Steps:

• In a large bowl, mix together cheese, eggs, 3/4 cup flour, sugar, and salt. Place baking soda in a small bowl and add vinegar; mixture will fizz. Add baking soda mixture to bowl with cheese mixture. Using a hand-held electric mixer, mix until firm and solid. Stir in raisins.
• Place remaining 1/2 cup flour in a small, shallow dish. Working in batches (about four at a time), scoop out cheese mixture using a tablespoon, and, using floured hands, form into a 2 1/4-inch ball. Roll ball in flour mixture and pat using your hands to form a patty shape and remove excess flour.
• Heat canola oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat; add patties and cook until golden brown, turning once, about 6 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate and dust with confectioners' sugar, if desired. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.

NALYSNYKY (UKRAINIAN CREPES)

Steps:

• TO MAKE CREPES.
• In a bowl, using a hand held electric mixer, beat eggs until light and fluffy.
• Add milk, water, flour and salt and beat until all ingredients are incorporated and batter is smooth.
• Heat a 6 inch frying pan on medium heat.
• Butter the pan lightly and pour about 1/4 cup of batter into the pan, swirling the pan until the batter spreads evenly in the pan.
• Cook crepes on medium heat for about 1 minute or until lightly browned.
• Bake on 1 side only, do not turn over.
• Continue to cook the crepes, buttering the frying pan each time.
• Place the cooked crepes on a platter and keep warm in the oven at 250°F.
• TO MAKE CHEESE FILLING.
• Place the cottage cheese in a cheese cloth and squeeze out as much moisture as possible.
• Transfer the cheese to a mixing bowl.
• Add egg yolks, cream salt, and dill weed and mix to blend well.
• Remove warmed crepes from the oven and increase oven temperature to 350°F.
• Separate and place 1 crepe with the brown side down on a smooth surface.
• Spoon about 1 heaping tablespoon of cheese filling near one edge of the crepe.
• Start rolling the crepe over the filling, tuck in each side to prevent the filling from falling out, and continue to roll.
• Continue to fill and roll the remaining crepes.
• Place the finished nalysnyky into a lightly buttered 13 inch by 9 inch oven proof casserole dish in layers.
• Dot each layer with some butter.
• Bake in preheated 350 F oven for 20 minutes.
• Serve hot with melted butter, a dollop of sour cream or yogurt.

UKRAINIAN NALYSNKY (CHEESE ROLLS)

Steps:

• Crepe: Mix all ingredients together.
• To a hot skillet add 1 tsp.
• of oil, pour ¼ cup batter spreading it evenly on the whole bottom of the skillet.
• Fry lightly on both sides.
• Flip them over on a pile in a dish.
• Filling: Beat eggs well and melt margarine.
• Add to cheese filling.
• Spread the filling in an even layer over the crepe and roll, cut in the middle and place in baking dish with the cut ends against the side of the pan.
• At this point you can cover the nalysnky and freeze for later or proceed to baking.
• When you decide to bake the nalysnky, pour heavy or whipping cream over the top, cover and bake for 20 - 25 minutes at 300° Fahrenheit.
• Watch that they do not get scorched.