Blachinda
Blachinda also is spelled Plachinda, Platchenda, Platchinta, Blachinde and Blagenda. Some say Blachinda and some say Plachinda, but we all can agree that it’s a tasty treat. Blachinda is a pastry dessert with a pie crust and pumpkin filling. It is similar to a turnover or a hand-pie.
Ingredients
Crust:
- 4 cups flour
- 4 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ cup sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ⅞ cup oil
- ¾ cup milk
Filling:
- 2 cups pumpkin
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ cup sugar
- ¼ cup melted butter
Directions
Combine flour, baking powder, sugar and salt and cut in oil with a pastry blender or fork. Add enough milk to make a soft dough. Combine filling ingredients in mixing bowl. Divide dough into small balls about the size of a large walnut. Roll into 3-inch circles. Place 1 tablespoon of filling on circle and fold over and seal by pressing the tines of a form around the edges. Bake at 425 degrees until light brown, about 15 to 20 minutes.
Source: Adapted from Schott (Janke), A. (2012). Alma’s Favorite Recipes: Cooking & Memories from a German-Russian Farm Kitchen. Germans from Russia Heritage Collection.