BLINI (RUSSIAN PANCAKES)
Basically, these are crepes. Mix 2 tblsp. of sugar, 1 pinch of salt and 1 cup of flour. Add 1 1/2 cups of milk, 2-3 eggs and 1/2 tsp. vanilla. Whisk everything until the mix is smooth. While whisking add another cup of milk and 2 tblsp. melted butter.
Brush a preheated skillet with butter and pour in about 3 tblsp. of batter. When the edges are brown flip the pancake using a spatula. Hold it for 10-15 seconds then remove from pan. Place fried pancakes on a plate. Serve with jam, berries or sour cream. You can also stuff them with cottage cheese.
COLD CUCUMBER SOUP
Put 2-4 cloves of garlic in a mortar. Add 1/2 tsp. of salt and mash to make a paste. Put two cups of plain yogurt in a bowl. Add 2 oz. of walnuts, 2 tblsp. of olive oil, and the garlic paste. Mix with 2 tblsp. lemon juice and 1/2 cup of water. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside for 1 to 1 1/2 hours.
Season 2 chopped cucumbers with salt and let it drain for 10 to 15 minutes. Mix the cucumbers with the yogurt and stir together. Serve the soup cold and and add chopped walnuts. Drizzle with olive oil and add mint leaves if you want.
Shape 2 lbs. of flour into a well. Put 1 ounce of yeast, 1/4 cup of warm water and a pinch of salt in the center. Knead the dough with your hands for 15 minutes. The dough must become smooth. Put the dough into a large bowl. Cover it with a dish towel and keep it out of the sunlight. Let it rise at room temperature for about two hours.
When the dough is ready, shape it into a flat disc. Spread it with tomato sauce. Add garlic, mushrooms, black olives and cheese. Bake in 450*F. oven for 15 minutes or until the cheese is melted.
Buon appetito!
