School of Fish-Presented in Technicolor™ by -Tasty Dish–
The scent of dried apricots always takes me back to my grandmother’s kitchen. She kept a glass jar filled with them on the counter, their chewy sweetness a constant temptation. I remember one afternoon, while crafting some sort of elaborate art project (likely involving glitter), I envisioned those apricots transformed into miniature, edible sea creatures. The idea of tiny fish made from fruit and pretzels delighted me then, and the playful whimsy of this recipe still brings a smile to my face. These little treats are perfect for a fun, themed party, or just a moment of creative snacking.
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes (no cooking required)
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Servings: 12
- Yields: 12 fish
- Dietary Type: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 12 Turkish dried apricots (use organic and unsulphured apricots for quality and best flavor)
- 12 small pretzels (plus a few more in case any break)
- 1 tablespoon cream cheese (approximately)
- 12 mini chocolate chips (plus a few extra) or 12 currants (plus a few extra)
Equipment Needed
- Small knife or kitchen scissors
- Plastic sandwich bag (optional, for piping cream cheese)
- Turquoise/blue platter (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare the Apricot Bodies: With an adult’s help, make a slit on one end of each dried apricot.
Chef’s Note: I very lightly mash the dried apricot before making the slit, although this is optional. This can make the apricot softer and easier to work with, especially if they are particularly firm. - Insert the Pretzel Tail: Carefully insert the bottom of a mini pretzel into the slit you made in the apricot.
- Secure the Tail: Again, carefully pinch the apricot around the pretzel to hold it in place. It may require a few tries to get the hang of it. You want the pretzel to be firmly seated, but be careful not to tear the apricot.
- Create the Fish Eyes: To make the fish eyes, pipe on a small dot of cream cheese. A plastic sandwich bag with a very small corner snipped off works well for this.
- Attach the Eyes: Press a mini chocolate chip or currant, tip down, into the cream cheese. The cream cheese acts as the “glue” to hold the eye in place. If using currants, make sure they are fresh and plump for best adhesion.
- Shape the Mouth: Snip the fish’s mouth with a knife or pair of scissors. This gives the fish a more defined and charming appearance. A small, angled cut works best.
- Arrange and Serve: I like to arrange the fish on a turquoise/blue platter. Ideal for a summer, Hawaiian/tiki/South Pacific, Finding Nemo/Little Mermaid-themed party, etc.!
Expert Tips & Tricks
- Apricot Softening: If your dried apricots are very firm, try gently steaming them for a minute or two before starting. This will make them more pliable and easier to work with. Just be sure to pat them dry before proceeding.
- Cream Cheese Consistency: The cream cheese should be softened but not runny. If it’s too soft, it will be difficult to create neat dots for the eyes. You can briefly chill it in the refrigerator to firm it up.
- Pretzel Selection: Choose pretzels that are whole and unbroken. The small, thin pretzel sticks work best for creating the “tail.”
- Eye Placement: Experiment with the placement of the eyes to give each fish its own unique personality! Slightly off-center eyes can add a touch of whimsy.
- Consider adding edible glitter: Apply a small amount to the apricots using a food-safe brush to give your fish a sparkly, technicolor finish!
Serving & Storage Suggestions
These adorable fish are best served immediately, as the pretzels can soften over time. If you need to prepare them in advance, store them in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to 24 hours. The cream cheese may soften if left at room temperature for extended periods, so refrigeration is recommended if you’re not serving them right away. However, be aware that refrigerating them can also cause the apricots to become slightly sticky. They are not suitable for freezing. Serve them as a fun snack, party appetizer, or as part of a themed dessert table.
Nutritional Information
(Estimated per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 21 kcal | N/A |
| Total Fat | 0.5 g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat | 0.2 g | 1% |
| Cholesterol | 1.3 mg | 0% |
| Sodium | 4.6 mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate | 4.4 g | 1% |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.5 g | 2% |
| Sugars | 3.8 g | N/A |
| Protein | 0.3 g | 0% |
Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
Variations & Substitutions
- Vegan Option: Substitute the cream cheese with a small dab of vegan cream cheese or even a thick coconut cream.
- Nut-Free: Ensure your chocolate chips and pretzels are manufactured in a nut-free facility if allergies are a concern.
- Different “Eyes”: Get creative with the eyes! Use tiny edible pearls, sprinkles, or even a dot of melted chocolate.
- Flavored Apricots: Experiment with different varieties of dried apricots, such as those flavored with ginger or cinnamon, for a unique twist.
- Tail Alternatives: If you don’t have pretzels, try using small breadsticks or even slices of almond.
- Dip Option: Instead of individual cream cheese dots, serve the fish with a small bowl of vanilla yogurt or a light lemon glaze for dipping.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can assemble them a few hours in advance, but the pretzels may soften slightly over time. Store them in an airtight container until ready to serve.
Q: What if my apricots are too hard to work with?
A: Gently steaming the apricots for a minute or two will soften them up. Just be sure to pat them dry before using.
Q: Can I use a different type of dried fruit?
A: Yes, dried plums or dates could also work, but you may need to adjust the size of the slit and the amount of cream cheese accordingly.
Q: What’s the best way to pipe the cream cheese?
A: A plastic sandwich bag with a tiny corner snipped off works well as a makeshift piping bag. You can also use a small piping tip if you have one.
Q: Can I use a different type of cheese for the eyes?
A: A soft goat cheese or mascarpone would also work well, as long as it’s thick enough to hold the chocolate chip or currant.
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it! A delightful school of fish ready to swim into your next party or snack time. Don’t be afraid to get creative with the decorations and adapt the recipe to your own tastes. This is a fun project to do with kids, and the end result is both adorable and delicious. Whip up a batch, share them with friends, and let the technicolor fun begin! I’d love to hear about your own creative variations, so please share your experiences and photos with me – happy crafting and snacking!