And here comes Rudolph, if the long way 'round:

BLITZEN (didn't get anywhere with the blintzes except a full stomach)
BLITZER
BLITHER (what a blithering idiot does)
BLATHER
BATHER
EARTH
RATE
EAT
AT
A
AN
AND
END
PEND
DUPE
PULED
PULLED
UPHELD
UPHOLD
RUDOLPH

Not terribly efficient, and a sort of reductio-ad-absurdum technique. Within broad limitations, it could be used to make just about anything out of anything else.

Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good day!