The best whimsical hors d'oeuvres - Mini pancakes and eggs {Olive oil blinis with quail eggs}

Here's the 3rd in my January series of whimsical hors d'oeuvres: the mini pancakes and eggs!  The idea came from the cartons of quail eggs I continually pass in the Vietnamese markets near my house.  They're one of those things you just need the right excuse to buy... and here it is!

In Chicago, Chinatown and Little Vietnam are great places to find fresh quail eggs.  You can also sometimes find them at gourmet, specialty or various Asian grocery stores.  There's not a huge flavor difference, in my opinion, between quail and chicken eggs - perhaps a bit gamier, but nothing off-putting to be sure.  The yolks are plump and rich, the whites fry up nicely.  I'd say the biggest thing to be aware of is that the membranes on the eggs are usually pretty thick.  Couple that with their tiny size and cracking them are a little bit more of a challenge... though I have freakishly doll-sized hands so it's not really so much of an issue for me!

Gaaaah!  Mini hands!!!
 

Recipe: Mini pancakes and eggs {OR} Olive oil blinis with quail eggs

What you need to get...

For the blinis (makes approx 12):
1/2 cup flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 tablespoon sugar
1 egg
1 cup milk
1 tablespoon olive oil
Butter for frying

6 fresh quail eggs

Optional toppings: caramelized onions, bacon crumbles, fresh salsa, fresh dill, creme frache


What to do with it all...


Heat your griddle or non-stick pan on medium heat
Combine the blini ingredients (except the butter) and mix until blended
Melt enough butter to just coat your frying surface
Pour about 2 tablespoons of batter onto your cooking surface for each blini
Cook on each side for about 1 minute on each side, or until golden
Set aside in a stack and keep in a warm place, such as unheated oven
Add a little more butter to fry your eggs, cracking each individually
Fry for about 3 minutes, or until whites are set
To serve: Stack 2 blinis on individuals plates, top with one fried quail egg, accompany with one or more toppings on the side (optional)

Makes 6 pieces