Great Gatherings: Beautiful Breakfast,
With Recipes

Blinis with Lavender-Honey Syrup
This lavender-honey syrup has a hint of spring from the lavender extract. After you’ve made the blinis once, you’ll find this is a go-to recipe for a special breakfast treat.

Syrup:
• 1/2 cup maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 or 2 drops lavender extract*

Blinis:
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 1 cup milk
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• Powdered sugar
• Slivered almonds, toasted
• Lavender sprigs, optional garnish

In small saucepan combine maple syrup, honey, vanilla, and lavender oil or extract. Cook and stir over low heat just until heated through. Cover; keep warm.

Meanwhile, in medium mixing bowl combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl use fork to combine egg, milk, and vegetable oil. Add liquid mixture all at once to flour mixture. Stir just until moistened.

For blinis, pour about 1 tablespoon pancake batter onto hot, lightly greased griddle or heavy skillet. Cook over medium heat 1 to 2 minutes on each side or until pancakes are golden brown. Turn over when surfaces are bubbly and edges are slightly dry (keep blinis warm in 200°F oven while cooking remaining blinis).

To serve, place blinis on serving plates. Sprinkle with powdered sugar and slivered almonds. Drizzle with Lavender Honey Syrup. Garnish with lavender sprigs. Serve immediately. Makes 8 servings (about 5 to 6 pancakes each).

*Find lavender extract at a specialty grocery store. It is very strong so use sparingly.