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Kissing In The Kitchen with Shawnie Kelley

Recipes / Seafood, Small Bites

Build-Your-Own Blini with Smoked Salmon & Herb Caper Relish

This chic, hands-on appetizer brings together rustic charm and refined flavor. In this recipe, you’ll master the art of making pillowy mini blini from scratch — soft, golden pancakes that serve as the perfect base for bold, customizable toppings.

Yield
24 mini blini
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Directions

  1. Make the batter: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flours, sugar, salt, baking powder, and soda. In a separate bowl, combine milk, egg yolk, melted butter, and sour cream. Gradually whisk wet ingredients into dry until smooth. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 45–60 minutes, or until bubbly.

  2. Finish the batter: Beat the egg white to soft peaks and gently fold into the batter.

  3. Cook the blini: Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and brush lightly with butter. Drop 1 tablespoon of batter per blini. Cook for 1–2 minutes per side, until golden and puffed. Keep warm in a low oven if needed.

  4. Smoked Salmon and Herb Caper Relish: Make the Herb Caper Relish: In a small bowl, combine fresh parsley, oregano, and capers. Add a splash of olive oil. Stir gently to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning.

  5. Accompaniments for building-your-own blini: Smoked salmon or thin slices of grilled flank steak topped with herb caper relish

  6. Caviar or roe on crème fraîche or sour cream with chopped chives

  7. Crème fraîche or sour cream with smoked salmon and dill

  8. Pickled red onions, thinly sliced radishes, or cucumbers

  9. Fresh dill or microgreens for garnish

  10. Sweet toppings: drizzle honey, lemon curd, or whipped cream and berries

From Shawnie's class “Elegant Appetizers”