Russian Blini

Instructions

1. Prepare the batter
   In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder. Make a well in the center and set aside. In another bowl, whisk together the warm milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla (if using). Pour the wet ingredients into the well of the dry ingredients and whisk until smooth. For lighter blini, add the sparkling water. Let the batter rest for 15-20 minutes.
2. Heat the pan
   Heat a non-stick skillet or crepe pan over medium heat. Add a small amount of butter and swirl to coat the pan. The pan is ready when a drop of water sizzles on the surface.
3. Cook the blini
   Pour about 1/4 cup of batter into the center of the pan, then quickly tilt and rotate the pan to spread the batter into a thin, even circle (about 6-7 inches in diameter). Cook until the edges look dry and tiny bubbles form on the surface, about 1-2 minutes.
4. Flip and finish
   Using a thin spatula, carefully flip the blin (singular of blini) and cook the other side until golden, about 1 minute. Transfer to a plate and cover with a clean kitchen towel to keep warm. Continue with the remaining batter, adding butter to the pan as needed.
5. Serve the blini
   Serve blini warm with traditional toppings. For savory blini, offer sour cream, smoked salmon, herring, or caviar. For sweet blini, serve with honey, fruit preserves, or sweetened sour cream. Traditionally, blini can be folded in quarters or rolled around fillings.