Russian Blini

Ingredients

1 pkg dry yeast
1/2 cup warm water
1 cup plain yogurt, room temp
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon oil
1 cup buckwheat flour
1 cup warm water
2 large egg whites

Instructions

Sprinkle yeast over 1/2 cup warm water. Stir and allow to proof until bubbly. Blend yogurt with sugar, salt and oil. Stir into yeast mixture. Add buckwheat flour and beat until smooth. Cover bowl and allow to stand in a warm spot for 20 minutes. Beat egg whites until soft peaks form. Stir 1 cup water into buckwheat batter. Fold in egg whites and let stand 10 minutes. Spray a blini pan or 6-inch crepe pan with cooking spray. Heat the pan over medium heat. Pour a scant 1/4 cup batter in the pan and cook until top is bubbly. Turn over and cook until crisp and browned, about 5 minutes. Hold in a 250F oven until ready to serve. Repeat to make 12 blini.