Heat the milk until warm to the touch then add the yeast and sugar and allow to sit for 5-10 minutes until the yeast has activated.
In a large mixing bowl, add the flour, egg yolks, and the milk mixture and stir until it forms a thick batter. Cover the bowl and let sit for 40 minutes.
In a second bowl whisk the egg whites until they have formed soft peaks.
Whisk a small amount of the whipped whites into the blini batter to loosen it, and then carefully fold in the rest using a spatula.
Heat a frying pan over a medium heat and add butter then spoon small circles of batter into the pan.
When the tops of the pancake bubble (1-2 minutes) flip them and cook on the other side for another 1-2 minutes.
Serve topped with whipped cream, smoked salmon, or other additions.
4 servings