Strawberry Blintzes (Crepes)

Strawberry blintzes, also known as strawberry crepes, are a delightful and sweet dish that can be enjoyed for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. They consist of thin crepes filled with a creamy cheese mixture and fresh strawberries, then folded into a neat package. Here's a basic recipe for making strawberry blintzes:

Ingredients:

For the Crepes:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1 1/4 cups milk
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• A pinch of salt

For the Filling:

• 8 oz (1 cup) cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for macerating the strawberries)
• Powdered sugar, for dusting
• Additional fresh strawberries for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. 1- Prepare the Crepe Batter:

• In a blender, combine the flour, eggs, milk, melted butter, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Blend until the batter is smooth. Let it rest for about 20-30 minutes, or you can make it ahead of time and refrigerate it.

1. 2- Macerate the Strawberries:

• In a bowl, toss the sliced strawberries with 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar. Allow them to sit for 15-20 minutes to release their juices.

1. 3- Make the Filling:

• In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until well combined. Set aside.

1. 4- Cook the Crepes:

• Heat a non-stick skillet or crepe pan over medium heat and lightly grease it with butter or cooking spray.
• Pour a small ladleful of the crepe batter into the skillet, swirling it to evenly coat the bottom.
• Cook for about 1-2 minutes or until the edges start to lift and the crepe is lightly golden on the bottom.
• Flip the crepe and cook for another 1-2 minutes on the other side until it's lightly golden. Repeat this process with the remaining batter, stacking the cooked crepes on a plate with parchment paper in between to prevent sticking.

1. 5- Assemble the Blintzes:

• Lay a cooked crepe flat on a clean surface.
• Spread a generous spoonful of the cream cheese filling in the center of the crepe.
• Add a few slices of macerated strawberries on top of the cream cheese filling.
• Fold in the sides of the crepe, then fold up the bottom, and roll it up to create a neat package.

1. 6- Serve:

• Place the strawberry blintzes on a serving platter.
• Dust them with powdered sugar and garnish with fresh strawberries if desired.

Enjoy your homemade strawberry blintzes as a delicious breakfast treat or a delightful dessert!