She Strengthens

A Delicious Blend of Tradition and Region

In the heart of Atlanta, I had the pleasure of savoring a delightful culinary experience with Fannie and Lisa, two warm-hearted hosts who shared their passion for food, family, and home. The star of the show was their scrumptious blintzes, served hot with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of jam, accompanied by freshly baked challah and a steaming cup of coffee.

The Art of Blintze-Making

Blintzes are a staple of Jewish cuisine, and these Southern-style crepes are a masterclass in blending tradition with regional flavors. With a simple yet elegant recipe, you can create these delicate treats in the comfort of your own kitchen.

The Crepe Batter

To make the crepe batter, combine 3 large eggs, 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon of granulated sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt in a blender. Whirl until smooth, scraping the sides as needed. Alternatively, whisk the eggs in a large bowl, then gradually add the flour, sugar, and salt, whisking until well combined. Set the batter aside while preparing the filling.

The Cheese Filling

Crumble 1 pound of farmer’s cheese into a medium bowl, then add 4 ounces of softened cream cheese, 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, 1 large egg, 1/8 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Mash the mixture with a fork until well blended.

Assembling the Blintzes

To assemble the blintzes, place a crepe on a work surface, spoon a scant 2 tablespoons of filling onto the bottom half, and fold in the sides. Roll up the crepe and repeat with the remaining batter and filling.

Serving Options

To serve, you can either bake or fry the blintzes. For baking, preheat your oven to 350°F, butter a 13 × 9-inch glass baking dish, and arrange the blintzes seam-side down in single layers. Dot with butter, cover with foil, and bake for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake until lightly browned and heated through, an additional 10 to 15 minutes.

For frying, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add enough blintzes to fit in the pan without touching, and fry until lightly browned and crisp on the underside, about 2 minutes. Turn and fry until heated through, an additional 1 to 2 minutes.

A Delicious Legacy

These blintzes are a testament to the rich culinary heritage of the Jewish South, where tradition meets innovation and flavors blend together in perfect harmony. With every bite, you’ll be transported to a world of warmth, love, and community, where food is more than just a meal – it’s a celebration of life.