On Nov. 13, the students in the NUHS International Foods class learned how to make Russian Blini. They are thin, crepe-like pancakes that are typically served with sweet toppings, such as various kinds of syrup and whipped cream, originating from the Russian area.

This food lab was one of many cultural units that show global cuisines through hands on cooking. The classroom was filled with the smell of warm buttered pancakes as the students stirred, poured, and gently flipped the Blini.

International Foods teacher Mrs. Schneider said the lesson was designed to help students experience culture beyond a lecture and notes. She said the purpose was “to get the experience of making (pancakes) like the way they do in Russia.” She noted that in the previous year, they had just finished a lot of savory food items, so she added a lab that would be sweeter for the students.

Many students enjoyed making and eating Blini.

Junior Lily Poehler said she decorated hers with whipped cream and chocolate syrup. She said the taste was “honestly good, but the syrup that I had was very sugary, so it kind of ruined the Blini.”

Other students agree that the dish becomes too sweet when too many toppings are added to the pancakes.

The class worked in small groups while measuring ingredients, cooking batter, and experimenting with different toppings. They finished the lab with a taste test and scrubbing dishes. In the following week, the class will shift its focus to Europe and its diverse cuisines.