Instructions: To prepare Blini (buckwheat pancakes): Combine milk and butter in a microwave-safe bowl; microwave on High in 1-minute increments until butter is melted, stirring between each minute. Cool to warm (110 degrees).

Sprinkle yeast over surface of milk and let stand about 5 minutes to dissolve yeast. In separate mixing bowl, combine flours, sugar and salt. Pour milk mixture over dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Cover bowl tightly with plastic wrap and let sit in a warm place for about an hour or until the mixture is bubbly and has expanded by about a third. (At this point, resulting batter can be refrigerated overnight and recipe completed the following day.)

Add eggs to batter, stirring to deflate bubbles made by yeast. Heat heavy skillet over high heat; reduce heat to medium-high.

Melt 1 tablespoon butter in skillet; drop small spoonfuls of batter to form small pancakes into skillet. Cook until the edges look a bit dry and small bubbles form at the surface of the pancakes. Flip to cook other side; remove from skillet when second side is browned. Stack on wire rack to cool. Repeat with remaining batter until done.

To prepare Smoked Salmon and Sour Cream Dressing: In a small bowl, combine salmon, orange juice and peel; set aside.

In separate bowl, combine sour cream, celery, green onion, salt and pepper; set aside.

To assemble: Top each blini (pancake) with a dollop of sour cream dressing; place about a tablespoon of salmon mixture on top of dressing and sprinkle with dill and additional pepper if desired.

Repeat with remaining ingredients. Arrange on serving platter garnished with extra dill sprigs. Serve warm or at room temperature.

This recipe yields 30 blini.

Yield: 30 blini

If you would like to email yourself the recipe for later use, or share the recipe with your friends or family, enter the email addresses below and this recipe will be emailed to you and others as well.