Mini Fruit Tacos
This morning I learned an important lesson about boys.
They are oblivious.
I mean... I already kind of knew that, but now I really seriously know it and am determined to change it... although I suspect it may be part of their genetic code.
I don't say any of this to be be mean, I only say it as a mom of boys that think there is a magic laundry fairy that finds all the towels they threw on the floor and stuffed under the bed.
We had two birthdays this weekend which meant a party at my mom's, which meant getting out of the house with kids and cakes in tow by about 11 a.m.
I was up early -- I made a cake, a nice berry compote, and cupcakes. I cleaned up the mess, managed to fit in a quick run to the grocery store, directed the boys to the shower, walked the dogs - I mean I got a lot done.
With 30 minutes left to lift-off I decided to take a shower. I took my time and washed my hair, used all the fun shower products, shaved my legs. I stepped out of the steam feeling good because things were actually going as planned (which never ever happens... if you know me you know that every. single. time. we are ever supposed to be at a family function we are late), went to reach for a towel and... there was no towel.
A quick scan of the other two towel racks in my rather large bathroom yielded... no towels.
And then I had a quick flash of Andrew an hour and a half earlier, tearing out of my bathroom, towel in hand.
We do have more than one towel. What we don't have are linen closets. So there aren't a zillion towels.
I usually have about 6 fluffy towels stockpiled in my bathroom. But this morning there was laundry to be done. Plus two towel-stealing kids. Plus Chad who grabbed a towel that he claimed was on the floor to sop up spilled water. And so, after my really productive morning, fabulous shower, and on-time party plans... I had to dry off with a wash cloth.
I was supremely pissed.
So after I finally got dressed I stood in the kitchen with yet another wash cloth trying to squeeze the water out of my drenched hair while yelling at my boys like a crazy drill sergeant that there would be no technology in their lives until they cleaned every inch of their room AND did all the laundry in it.
Because until I totally lost it I think they actually had no idea that the towels don't just get up and wash themselves. Sweet oblivion.
Also technology motivates like no dollar ever could.
So none of this really has anything to do with fruit tacos other than the fact that we needed to be at a party and these would make excellent party food. The day that I made these Chad, Evan, and I had ourselves a little party in the kitchen and inhaled them all while standing over a plate. I love these simple little treats. They take a few minutes to assemble but they are ohhhhh so worth it.
- For the Taco Shells:
- 24-30 (3 inch) flour tortillas *see instructions and note*
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- nonstick cooking spray
- For the Filling:
- 8 ounces light cream cheese (neufatchel, ⅓ less fat), softened
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ cup chopped strawberries
- ½ cup chopped, peeled mandarin orange slices (2-3 mandarins)
- ½ cup chopped pineapple
- ½ cup peeled and chopped kiwi (2-3 medium kiwi)
- ½ cup blueberries *see note*
- Preheat the oven to 350.
- To prepare the flour tortillas you can use a biscuit cutter to cut your regular-sized tortilllas down to size. I used a 3" circle.
- Mix together the cinnamon and sugar.
- Lay the cut tortillas out flat and very lightly spray them with the nonstick cooking spray. Sprinkle them evenly with the cinnamon sugar.
- Gently fold each tortilla in half hang them upside down on the rungs of your oven rack (a slight fold will yield a wider taco shell that is easier to fill). Bake for 5 - 7 minutes and then remove and gently set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese, honey, sugar, and cinnamon until fluffy, about 3 minutes. *see note*
- Spoon 1-2 teaspoons of the filling into each shell.
- Top with the sliced fruit.
I chose strawberries, mandarin oranges, pineapple, kiwi, and blueberries, but use what you love! Or what's in season.
If you'd like a fluffier fruit filling you can mix 4 ounces of thawed Lite Cool Whip into the cream cheese mixture.
The shells get a little soggy from the fruit juice after about 2 hours so try to assemble these as close to serving time as you can.
Heather, you still have me laughing and every word about boys is true. I also have 2 towel thieves living under my roof and they also think there is a secret fairy that does the laundry. Oh let me tell you there is no more powerful strategy for them to do their homework or pick up their room other than removing technology or phone from them. I love love these fruit tacos and have pinned them so I can make them later, like when my boys are being good. Take Care, BAM
Thank you Bam! And dang. It's nice to know that at least I am not alone with the laundry fairy.
haha.. your story just cracked me up!! My little guy is 2 and still pops in the bathroom when I'm taking a shower. The other day I got out, put my bra and panties on and headed into the closet to get dressed. All of a sudden I feel this big smack on my butt. Apparently little man saw daddy hit mommy in the butt and thought it was a game. I spent 5 minutes running around the room trying to get my pants on while avoiding another smack on the booty from my son. 🙂 The things you do with kids!
Loving this bright vibrant tacos Heather, photos rock and the flavors sound delicious!
omg Krista that is hilarious! Hahaha. Booty-smackin baby.
These are party pleasers! I can see how they quickly disappeared at your house. Nothing better than a warm fluffy towel, and nothing worse than being dripping wet without one!
Towel theives. They must be stopped.
Mmmm. Can't wait to try these! So springy!!!!!!
Yay! I hope you will try them! Soooooo good.
I'm ROLLING over here! And couldn't agree more that losing their screen time is a powerful motivator. World leaders could learn from this. 🙂 P.S. Super cute tacos. My daughter would inhale these.
World leaders lol. You are probably right. Someone memo the Pentagon.
Yes, technology is a great motivator these days for kids. I use that all the time to punish/motivate my kids to clean up after themselves! These are the cutest little fruit tacos...love the rainbow look of them. Pinning 🙂
Seriously the best motivator ever. It makes me wonder why my dad never let us have video games. He totally missed the manipulation boat.
Thanks so much Jocelyn!
These are TOO CUTE! Love them, Heather!!!
Thank you Marie!!
I don't have a problem with the towels, but my kids are pigs! I am always yelling at them to clean their rooms and they are always ignoring me. The threat of losing MInecraft does wonders! Heather, these fruit tacos are gorgeous!!
I hate it when my requests fall on deaf ears and then I have to get all Mommy Dearest and be crazy. Crazy works though. Even the closet is clean!
I love this. Simply love it. Your pre-party story made me laugh. Your tacos made me drool. Thanks!
haha thank you Christine!!
I love these, Heather! So bright and pretty. 🙂
Thanks Carrie!
Absolutely adorable! I cannot wait for spring parties and summer barbecues because these will be perfect on the table!
Sooooo ready for outdoor cooking. Hope you'll try these Helen. Thanks!