Blini with Crème Fraîche and Caviar

Yields: 60 (2-inch) blini

Ingredients:

Blini

• 2 cups (475 ml / 480 g) whole milk

• 2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) instant yeast

• 2 tsp white sugar, divided

• 2 large eggs, room temperature, separated

• ½ tsp salt

• 2 tbsp (28 g) unsalted butter, melted and cooled

• 1 ½ cups (190 g) all-purpose flour, divided

• 1 tbsp (15 ml) avocado oil

  
  

Toppings

• 1 cup (240 g / 240 ml) crème fraîche

• Caviar

• ¼ cup (30 g) fresh chives, chopped

Instructions:

Prepare the Yeast Mixture

Combine the yeast and 1 tsp of sugar with the milk. Set aside.

Make the Blini Batter

1. Whisk the egg yolks, remaining sugar, and salt in a bowl.

2. Stir in 1 cup (125 g) of flour, the cooled melted butter, and the oil.

3. Add the yeast mixture and mix well until smooth.
   

Fold in Egg Whites

Whisk the egg whites until soft peaks form, then gently fold them into the batter with a spatula.

Cook the Blini

1. Heat a pan over medium heat for 5 minutes and grease lightly with oil.

2. Drop 2 ½-inch spoonfuls of batter into the pan. Cook for 2 minutes, until bubbles form, then flip and cook for another minute until golden.

3. Transfer to a towel-lined wire rack and keep warm.
   

Assemble and Serve

Top each blini with crème fraîche, caviar, and chives. For easier and faster assembly, use a piping bag to add the crème fraîche.