Russian Sweet Cheese Pancakes Syrniki (Made with Curd Cheese)

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1. 1Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine the cheese, eggs, sugar, oil, flour, baking powder, and vanilla. Mix with a hand mixer until the mixture is homogeneous, no longer than 2-3 minutes. The mixture will be very sticky.
2. 2Step 2: Place a non-stick or cast iron frying pan on the stove over medium heat and add 3 tbsp of oil to it.
3. 3Step 3: Dust a clean work surface with some flour. Using a regular soup spoon, scoop the mixture from the bowl and place it directly on the floured surface. Roll it in the flour, then flatten it with your palm to form a patty. Repeat with the remaining mixture until it's all used, making about 14 patties.
4. 4Step 4: Before frying, ensure the oil in the pan is very hot by sprinkling a bit of flour into it; if it sizzles, it's hot enough. Fry the syrniki like pancakes. When you turn them over, they should puff up a bit. The flour coating will make the outside slightly crispy while the cheese filling stays light and delicious.
5. 5Step 5: Dust the syrniki with icing sugar as a final touch and serve with your favorite jam or fruit sauce. For a truly Russian experience, enjoy them with a bit of smetana (creme fraiche).