In food… These are “mlyntsi” (Ukrainian) and “blyini”(Russian). They are similar to French Crepes, a very thin pancake made on a hot pan. They may be served with any sort of filling or topping, savory to sweet.
And, most importantly, the first “blin” (singular of the pancake) will never come off the pan. It is always and forever destined to be a waste. It will stick to the pan as it seasons the griddle for the entire batch. It’s a mess and to be expected. You have to peel it off and there’s always a smidgeon of hope that it might work out. So, you’ll hear people say, “Blin!” when something doesn’t work out, but they will keep trying. It’s calling something the “first singular pancake” and it means, “shoot!” or “dang it!” with an added developmental twist. It means they are ticked, and irritated, but understand that they must try again, and will try again, until what they are doing is successful.
My favorite is a sour fruit filling and honey dribbled on top with fresh cream. All of these things are seasonal and local and only the best hits your palate.
Mlyntsi from Roman Voloshko’s kitchen.
