The other day I was thinking about what people eat on Christmas morning. I even asked my Dad for his thoughts to which he responded “I don’t know…pine nuts?” WHAT? Seeing as we don’t celebrate Christmas neither one of us is an expert in this area. But I do consider myself a connoisseur of breakfast giving me moderate credibility to weigh in on the topic.
Besides the last few years where I’ve spent Christmas with C’s family, my typical Christmas breakfast consists of cold chinese food. Okay not actually, I usually eat oatmeal. But have you ever wondered what the Jews do on Christmas? We eat Chinese food and go to the movies. This is not a generalization, it’s actually a holy day.
Since I don’t know what to eat for Christmas breakfast I thought I would share a recipe from my people. Blintzes will forever remind me of my Bubby. In addition to enough bagels and lox to feed a small village my Bubby always had blintzes in the house. The blintzes were usually potato-based but then my life was changed forever when I tried the cheese blintzes at Katz’s Deli in New York. It was like a Bar Mitzvah in my mouth! Long overdo that I post my own twist on a classic cheese blintz recipe.
Orange Cheese Blintzes {Gluten-Free}
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Keywords: cook bake breakfast gluten-free orange cheese Christmas Jewish
Ingredients (Yields: 10 blintzes)
- 1 cup brown rice flour
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 4 eggs
- For the filling:
- 2 cups 0% fat cottage cheese
- 1 tsp orange zest
- Juice, 1/2 orange
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1 T coconut palm sugar
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
2. In a large bowl combine brown rice flour, water, almond milk and eggs. Whisk until well combined and all clumps are gone.
3. In a large regular or crepe pan spray or melt coconut oil over medium-high heat.
4. Add 1/2 cup of batter and stir contents to form a circle.
5. Cook for about a minute before flipping to the other side for 20 seconds. Watch heat, if batter starts to brown the pan is too hot, decrease heat.
6. Place on plate with a sheet of paper towel on top.
7. Repeat steps 3-6 until all batter has been used. About 10 blintzes.
8. Meanwhile mix cottage cheese, orange zest, juice, vanilla and coconut palm sugar.
9. Divide filling evenly between the blintzes (about 2 T each).
10. Fold blintzes like envelopes by folding in left and right and then top and bottom.
11. Spray a 9 x 11 inch dish with non-stick spray or coconut oil.
12. Place blintzes seal-side down in dish and bake for 10 mins.
13. Top with sliced oranges, powdered sugar and maple syrup.
Not feeling adventurous for Christmas morning? Check out my breakfast page for more inspiration or some of my favourites that I’ve gathered from around the web:
Slow-Cooker Creamy Coconut Steel Cut Oats from Fit Foodie Finds *GF & vegan
Thin Mint Cookie Pancakes from Kiss My Broccoli *GF & vegan
Crustless Quiche from Lexi’s Clean Kitchen *GF & paleo
Cinnamon Roll Pancakes from Edible Perspective *GF & vegan
Pumpkin Spice Latte Waffles from Minimalist Baker *vegan
Apple Cider Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting from Making Thyme for Health *vegan
Do you have a traditional breakfast you eat on Christmas morning? Have you ever tried blintzes?
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86 Comments
meredith @ The Cookie ChRUNicles
December 23, 2013 at 6:17 amThis totally made me laugh lol. In fact, I don’t think I ever thought about what people ate Christmas morning because I was too busy thinking about the fun it must be of waking up to open presents. I was always so super jealous of that as a kid! Is it weird I never liked blintzes? I think it has to do with never really loving cheese.
Davida @ The Healthy Maven
December 27, 2013 at 8:22 pmYeah not liking cheese would definitely make it hard to like blintzes! I was always jealous as a kid too. I pretended the hanukkah fairy existed and was equally as cool as santa. Now I get the best of both worlds!
Amanda @ .running with spoons.
December 23, 2013 at 6:58 amThey remind me kind of like crepes, which are actually one of my absolute favourite breakfasts to have on Christmas morning… That’s only when I’m at my parents’ house, though. My mom makes the most amazing crepes that she stuffs with cream cheese and jam, and while I’d love to be able to recreate them, I just don’t have the patience to stand around by a skillet in the morning. The most I can do is pour oats into a pot and walk away while they cook 😛
Davida @ The Healthy Maven
December 27, 2013 at 8:23 pmYup they’re basically like crepes except the batter has less butter! My Mom flips my crepes and pancakes for me…wtf am I going to do when I move out?!?!
Jo @ LIVING MINT GREEN
December 23, 2013 at 7:36 amIs a Blintz a crepe, then?! I am so confused. 🙂
My mom usually makes a huge breakfast- bacon, eggs, fruit salad, waffles, champagne, etc. I’m so excited!!!
Davida @ The Healthy Maven
December 27, 2013 at 8:31 pmhaha yes it’s like a crepe but with less butter in the batter! Jews like to put their twist on everything. Can I be invited to your Christmas breakfast next year?
kathy @ vodka and soda
December 23, 2013 at 7:52 ami have never tried them before! you will make them for me during BBM2014, yes? we’ll chase them with mimosas.
christmas breakfast is usually bacon, eggs and toast. it’s the baking that will start off the festivities 🙂 of course, baking is usually cupcakes but this year i’m going to try cookies.
-kathy
Vodka and Soda
Davida @ The Healthy Maven
December 27, 2013 at 8:35 pmI hate bacon so as long as you keep that shit out of the baller pad I’ll cook for you bitches. Mimosas are mandatory.
D @ The Kosher Cave Girl
December 23, 2013 at 7:59 amMovie and chinese food all the way. We used to make our own, but now we usually end up at a Chinese + sushi place which is fine by me. Yummy.
Davida @ The Healthy Maven
December 27, 2013 at 8:35 pmYup, Jews know how to do Christmas 😉
Jen @ SavedbytheKale
December 23, 2013 at 8:04 amWe usually make Christmas Brunch and indulge of food that we do not make all that often. Super Creamy Grits, eggs, sausage or bacon, homemade biscuits, and chocolate croissants.
I’m not sure that I’ve ever had a Blintz, but I have had some really good crepes!
Davida @ The Healthy Maven
December 27, 2013 at 8:37 pmThey’re even better than crepes if you can believe it! Love love love grits! You must have amazing ones down south!
Jen @ SavedbytheKale
December 27, 2013 at 8:47 pmOMG are grits amazing! I’ve eaten them at so many places but I have to say my hubby makes them the best! Don’t even get me started on Shrimp & Grits, so freakin good!
Shashi @ http://runninsrilankan.com
December 23, 2013 at 8:34 amMy daughter and I try something new each year for Christmas breakfast – last year it was some red velvet pancakes that didn’t quite turn out right.
These blintzes are very similar to crepes – minus the butter to the dough. I so do love the filling on these!
Davida @ The Healthy Maven
December 27, 2013 at 8:38 pmRed Velvet Pancakes sound divine! Too bad they didn’t turn out 🙁
Alex@vegginout
December 23, 2013 at 9:13 amMy dad always makes French toast for Christmas morning, and my mom makes homemade syrup! Your recipe looks fabulous though! I love the sweet cottage cheese filling. They look so fun to make too! They remind me of crepes which my mom likes to make, but I’ve never make them myself. Maybe I can try your recipe while I’m home for break! 🙂 Happy holidays, Davida!
Davida @ The Healthy Maven
December 27, 2013 at 8:39 pmYou too Alex! I haven’t had french toast in forever! I really need to make some soon! Or maybe tomorrow?!?
Mary Frances
December 23, 2013 at 9:28 amHaha, pine nuts, that is so funny! These blintzes sound a little but better! 🙂 Just kidding, they sound out of this world! We usually have a couple breakfast casseroles and cinnamon rolls with all the extended family on Christmas morning. Fun times. I hope you are having a Merry Christmas Davida!
Amy @ Long Drive Journey
December 23, 2013 at 9:36 amHmm…this is a very interesting dish. I am trying to decide how I think the combination of cheese and sweet would taste together. But actually, I think it would taste good now that I think about it. I had pear ravioli in Florence that was to die for. So this is kind of like that, but bigger, and with oranges instead of pears!
For breakfast morning we have all the bad (read, really really good) stuff – eggs, grits, hash browns, toast, pancakes, bacon, orange juice. Delish!
Davida @ The Healthy Maven
December 27, 2013 at 8:40 pmTrust me on this one Am, it’s an awesome combo 😉
I haven’t been able to stop thinking about those cinnamon buns! Can I do Christmas with your fam next year??
Nicole @ FruitnFitness
December 23, 2013 at 9:37 amI haven’t heard of these but it sounds wonderful! Our Christmas breakfast is always coffee cake and fresh fruit but I would love to try making this another day. The combination of flavors and textures seems right up my ally. I hope you have a good Chinese food and movie day 🙂
Davida @ The Healthy Maven
December 27, 2013 at 8:41 pmLOVE coffee cake. Which reminds me that I want to come up with a healthier version! That stuff is sooooo good!
Cailee @ http://hellohealthyeating.com
December 23, 2013 at 9:38 amOh yum!! These look so good… perfect for Christmas brunch!! Thanks for sharing girl!! Hope you have a lovely Christmas!!
Davida @ The Healthy Maven
December 27, 2013 at 8:41 pmYou too Cailee!
Christine@ Apple of My Eye
December 23, 2013 at 9:50 amOh man, these look delicious! Funny thing- my family always gets Chinese food on Christmas day (I’m half Norwegian and we celebrate Christmas on Christmas Eve in terms of opening presents/family dinners).
These look like the perfect breakfast, though, much better than cold Chinese! YUM!
Davida @ The Healthy Maven
December 27, 2013 at 8:43 pmI love hearing about different people’s traditions! Apparently Chinese food on Christmas is a popular thing 😉
dana
December 23, 2013 at 10:40 amThanks for the share!!
Davida @ The Healthy Maven
December 27, 2013 at 8:43 pmThanks for sharing your recipe Dana! Love MB!
erin @ The Almond Eater
December 23, 2013 at 11:18 amI LOVE CHEESE BLINTZES SO MUCH. When I used to work at a restaurant we served them and I would eat at least one every Sunday. Also–your photos are superb. Happy Holiday lady, and enjoy your Chinese food!
Davida @ The Healthy Maven
December 27, 2013 at 8:44 pmLove that you know what blintzes are!!!! Everyone else is like “I don’t get it, is it crepe?” Hope you had a wonderful Christmas Erin!
Sam @ Better With Sprinkles
December 23, 2013 at 12:33 pmI always assumed the Jewish ‘Chinese food and movies on Christmas’ thing was a stereotype, but good to know that it’s actually pretty true 😉 know what movie you’ll be going to see this year?
And it’ll just be Eric and I Christmas morning and I imagine he’ll sleep long through the time that I’m ready for breakfast, but I’m thinking I may have to whip myself up some french toast…
Jillienne @ ChasingRaspberries
December 23, 2013 at 1:18 pmWill you please move to California and become my own private chef?! These look amazing!!!!
Davida @ The Healthy Maven
December 27, 2013 at 8:45 pmSure, will you be my personal trainer and whip me into shape?!?!
Heather @ Run Like a G!
December 23, 2013 at 1:39 pmHI Davida! Hope all is well! I haven’t blogged in forever so I am catching up on all my favorite blogs 🙂
Those look really yummy. I worked with a teacher who is Jewish. She made us latkes and they were amazing! I tried one with applesauce and one with sour cream. Yummmyyyy!
Hope you had a great holiday! 🙂
Davida @ The Healthy Maven
December 27, 2013 at 8:46 pmNice to see you back Heather!!! Aren’t latkas just the best?!?
Christie @ Kissesandkale.blogspot.com
December 23, 2013 at 1:46 pmDavida, I LOVE all your recipes!!! Can’t wait to try this one.
Davida @ The Healthy Maven
December 27, 2013 at 8:46 pmAw thanks Christie 🙂 You are too sweet!
Jess @ JessieBear What Will You Wear?
December 23, 2013 at 3:14 pmHahahahah I love your dad’s response! Hilarious. We always eat french toast 🙂
Arman @ thebigmansworld
December 23, 2013 at 4:06 pmBeing a ‘faux’ Christmas celebrator, your Christmas day sounds ideal 😉 Here in Australia breakfast is underrated- its the lunch and dinner which everyone whips their hair back n forth to.
I LOVE blintzes- They are so much better than crepes! My favourite one is with chives and sour cream- so good!
Davida @ The Healthy Maven
December 27, 2013 at 8:47 pmThank god someone knows what a blintz is!
Alexis @ Hummusapien
December 23, 2013 at 5:32 pmHoly canoli. I think I’ve died and gone to blintz heaven. I haven’t had blintzes in aaaaaages! I absolutely love how easy these are AND how they’re sweetened with innocent little coconut palm sugar. Totally trendy. Jewish food is the bomb.com–end of story.
Davida @ The Healthy Maven
December 27, 2013 at 8:49 pmOn a mission to spread trendy jewish food haha My bubby would probably roll over in her grave from the lack of butter and sugar in this but diabetes ain’t my thang!
Kim
December 23, 2013 at 6:03 pmWe always have Reindeer Bread. I think lots of people call it Bubble Bread or Monkey Bread but we call it Reindeer Bread even if we have it in April on a birthday!!!
Davida @ The Healthy Maven
December 27, 2013 at 8:50 pmLove the name! I call it monkey bread but maybe I’ll just change it up for you 😉
Sarah @ Making Thyme for Health
December 23, 2013 at 6:04 pmYou know, I never even thought about what Jewish people do for Christmas but now I know! Chinese + the movies. Hilarious!
I tried to talk Brandon into going to the movies with me on Christmas but he said no. Dang it! So many good ones to see. I’ll probably be eating cinnamon rolls but I wouldn’t mine having one of these gorgeous blintzes too!
Davida @ The Healthy Maven
December 27, 2013 at 8:52 pmI managed to convince Curt’s entire family to see the Hunger Games with my on Christmas. Good thing they aren’t religious otherwise I think they’d kick me out haha
Ang @ Nutty for Life
December 23, 2013 at 6:48 pmThese totally remind me of these Russian pancakes my pap always made, we call them blinis. They’re basically like crepes, like these seem, and you cooke them in a whole lotta butter! I love the addition of oranges here. They’re actually a forgotten festive flavor, in my opinion!
Davida @ The Healthy Maven
December 27, 2013 at 9:30 pmAlmost identical to blinis! But with slightly less butter!
I think Ive eaten my weight in clementines this past month….I’m okay with it!
Chelsea @ Chelsea's Healthy Kitchen
December 23, 2013 at 7:38 pmI’ve never even had a blintz before, but these look so good! Although cold Chinese food doesn’t sound to bad either haha.
When I was younger we always had the same Christmas breakfast of eggs, bacon, toast, and fruit salad. But now that my sister and I are in charge of it, we like to switch it up and try something different every year. Two years ago it was an Oh She Glows baked oatmeal recipe, last year it was baked French toast (one was apple cinnamon and one was savourry mushroom and gouda), and this year we’re doing eggs, bacon, hashbrowns, fruit salad, gingerbread muffins, and baked pumpkin donuts. I’m pretty excited!
Davida @ The Healthy Maven
December 27, 2013 at 9:31 pmSavoury french toast sounds amazing!!! Where did you get that recipe?!?! Your muffins and donuts this year looked delicious!
Gabby @ the veggie nook
December 23, 2013 at 7:42 pmin my family, CHristmas breakfast was always different, but special- sometimes pancakes, eggs and bacon, apple crisp, etc. Always different but always delicious 🙂 I love the look of these. Isn’t it so great when a recipe immediately transports you to a time spent with loved ones?
Happy holidays Davida!
Davida @ The Healthy Maven
December 27, 2013 at 9:29 pmYes I love it!!! Food reminds me of everything. I have deja food daily lol Hope you had a great holiday with the fam!
Melanie @ HappyBeingHealthy
December 23, 2013 at 8:07 pmI’ve never had Blintzes, but these look so yummy! I don’t think we’ll have anything special for breakfast Christmas morning, but I am planning a fun Christmas Eve dinner tomorrow; just the typical turkey and all the fixins. Yum.
Katie @ Daily Cup of Kate
December 23, 2013 at 9:16 pmI want to make and eat everything on your list– especially the pumpkin spice latte waffles—yum!!
Davida @ The Healthy Maven
December 27, 2013 at 9:27 pmI know don’t those look amazing?!?!
Amanda
December 23, 2013 at 11:07 pmI’ve never had a blintz before… but anything with cheese is a win in my book. I eat so much cheese it’s a small miracle that I ever actually poop. We like to make this overnight baked French toast for Christmas morning. Easy and SO good for a treat.
Davida @ The Healthy Maven
December 27, 2013 at 9:26 pmHave you ever had Ina Garten’s overnight baked french toast?!? It’s to die for!!!
And I don’t poop. For cheese, it’s worth it.
Cassie
December 23, 2013 at 11:14 pmThese look AMAZE (no surprise there). Should I just buy rice flour? I only have coconut, almond, whole wheat, bread and wheat. Oh, and buckwheat. Maybe I could sub in buckwheat? What do you use to flip it with? Should I buy a crepe pan? SO MANY QUESTIONS.
Davida @ The Healthy Maven
December 27, 2013 at 8:54 pmAlright, I got this.
1)buckwheat will probably work but they may be a bit heavy cause it’s a heavier flour. Best bet would be whole wheat or bread flour. Coconut and almond won’t work.
2)I messed up at least 3 of them flipping because I suck at it. A spatula and a whole lot of patience required. Or my Mom who is a master flipped.
3)No clue about a crepe pan cause I’ve never owned one.
Hope you’re having the best time in Montreal!!!! Go get breakfast at Beauty’s. The end.
Karey @ Nutty About Health
December 24, 2013 at 12:08 amI’ve never had a blintze or really knew what one was, but I was curious about them when I’d gone to Katz’s deli once! I chickened out though, of course! lol They sound really interesting though! 😉
Davida @ The Healthy Maven
December 27, 2013 at 8:54 pmLove Katz’s so much! Would give an arm and a leg to have one of their blitnzes right about now!
Mitchell
December 24, 2013 at 2:32 amYou’re a genius. An absolute genius.
I had my very first blintz earlier this year. I went to ‘The Pancake Parlor’ and ummed and ahhed over everything. Then when the waitress appeared blurted out the very first thing that popped into my head, the aptly named ‘Jewish Blintz’ they have.
It was a revelation. Cream cheese, cottage cheese and brandied sultanas. I can’t overstate how incredible it was.
I tried to make my own at home (baking it for a healthier alternative to frying). I chopped up medjool dates, and mixed it with cottage cheese. The dates were the bomb. They melted and became a beautiful soft paste. Incredible!
These look sensational 😀 I will absolutely be trying out this recipe!
Happy Holidays Davida! 🙂
Davida @ The Healthy Maven
December 27, 2013 at 9:25 pmomg I’m moving to Australia so we can eat these everyday and share our vitamix. I’m going to dream about those blintzes tonight!
Aqilah @ PrettyAwesomeFitness
December 24, 2013 at 4:11 amTo be completely honest, this is the first time I’ve ever heard of Blintzes. They look like crepes, I wonder if they tastes the same. Guess I have to give this beauty a try! Happy holidays Davida! 🙂
Davida @ The Healthy Maven
December 27, 2013 at 9:10 pmSimilar to crepes but with less butter in the batter! Happy holidays to you to Aqilah!
Joanne
December 24, 2013 at 7:23 amI feel like i’d prefer this sweet blintz to the savory version…especially for breakfast!! Mmm.
Tara
December 24, 2013 at 8:52 amAs always this recipe looks delish too! I love the round up of some of your favourites too!
Cheers! Tara
Davida @ The Healthy Maven
December 27, 2013 at 8:55 pmThanks so much Tara!
Paige@FitNotFad
December 24, 2013 at 11:23 amI’ve never had a blintz before but I think it’s time to change that! We usually have pancakes or french toast for Christmas breakfast….although maybe pine nuts would be good this year? Hahaha that’s too funny.
Davida @ The Healthy Maven
December 27, 2013 at 9:11 pmGotta love Dads! Hope you had a wonderful Christmas breakfast!
Megan (The Lyons' Share)
December 24, 2013 at 11:48 amYou truly crack me up, and make me drool over your recipes, as always. I have a bunch of amazing Healthy Maven posts waiting to be read in my line-up, but I wanted to stop in and say hi!!! Even though you’re not celebrating Christmas, it’s a time when I think of all the positives in my life – and you’re one of them! Thanks for your encouragement and inspiration. And enjoy that snowshoeing you’re doing – have always wanted to try it!
Davida @ The Healthy Maven
December 27, 2013 at 9:12 pmMeg you are too sweet! I could not be happier to have “met” you this year and am so looking forward to what 2014 will bring for you and for us 🙂 Hope you’re enjoying the much deserved time off! Blogs can wait, family is much more important!
Brittany
December 24, 2013 at 10:26 pmI love when you talk about all your traditions! I think I’ve maybe had cheese blintzes once in my life, if that!!
Davida @ The Healthy Maven
December 27, 2013 at 9:13 pmBetter than never!
Shawn @ Fruity 'N' Nutty
December 25, 2013 at 12:34 amYum, these look absolutely amazing! I don’t remember what I had for breakfast on Christmas last year. 😛 This morning, I had breakfast at starbucks. Nothing like a double dose of chocolate (cake + mocha) to start a fantabulous day. 😀
Merry Christmas Davida!
Davida @ The Healthy Maven
December 27, 2013 at 9:13 pmNothing like a double dose indeed! Now I’m craving chocolate!
Consuelo @ Honey & Figs
December 26, 2013 at 10:55 amWe never have breakfast on Christmas day as we usually sleep in *gasp*. Though I’d definitely love to try these blintzes anytime! They look delicious :–)
Davida @ The Healthy Maven
December 27, 2013 at 9:16 pmI don’t judge anyone who chooses to sleep in! That sounds divine to me!
Alex @ Kenzie Life
December 27, 2013 at 2:10 pmFunny story: my dad is from the south but when he moved to Colorado, worked as a chef’s assistant in a country club that was owned by a Jewish family, and thus he obviously learned how to make AMAZING food, including fabulous blintzes. My favorite are ones topped with blackberry sauce…so good! These look just as lovely!
Davida @ The Healthy Maven
December 27, 2013 at 9:16 pmomg that sounds amaaaazing. We don’t have Santa but Jews definitely know their food 😉
Heather @ Kiss My Broccoli
December 28, 2013 at 12:15 pmKatz’s Deli? As in THE Katz’s Deli?! Oh myyyyyyyyyyyy uhhhhhhhh yeahhhhhhhhh….I mean, wow, that’s cool! 😉
These look amazing! I’ve never actually heard of a blintzes before but I’m down with anything that is stuffed with cheese! Yum!
Thanks for the link love, darlin! xoxo
Kaitlin @4loveofcarrots
January 2, 2014 at 1:39 pmI have never made blintz before but I think I am going to have to make them now!
Lauren @ Sweat The Sweet Stuff
January 12, 2014 at 7:57 pmOMG how the hell did I miss these? Making these tomorrow morning! 🙂
Friday Faves #17
January 17, 2014 at 10:46 am[…] Orange Cheese Blintzes from my pal The Healthy Maven were SO good! I can’t even tell you! My new go to crepe […]
Katie @ 24 Carrot Life
January 25, 2014 at 11:09 amI honestly skipped right over this recipe when you posted it, but then I accidentally bought what I think is quark (the Spanish words for food trip me up sometimes) so I wanted to put it to good use and remembered these blintzes. These turned out amazing! I cut the recipe in half and it made exactly 5 crepes. I used whole wheat flour and it worked great. I accidentally forgot to cut the sugar and vanilla in half for the filling so they were a bit too sweet but that was my own fault. I skipped the baking part and just heated the orange slices in the microwave and put the filling into each crepe while it was still hot. Definitely making these again, like maybe tomorrow!
Apple Chai Pancakes - The Healthy Maven
December 8, 2014 at 5:04 pm[…] For as much as I love eating pancakes, they’re probably my least favourite food to photograph. Most of the time it’s because I’m ravenous and don’t have the patience to get the equipment and food props set up, but besides my impatience they’re actually quite difficult to photograph. First off, I am a terrible pancake flipper. In fact my Mom usually flips my pancakes. A serious downside to moving out! I got lucky that with this round they all ended up being relatively even and none ended up on the floor. Can’t say the same for my Orange Cheese Blintzes! […]