Dec 1
2008

Getting Sentimental With Creamy Tortilla Pinwheels

in Appetizers, Fuji Favorites, Recipes by Type

Have you ever come across something or done anything that has made you instantly miss someone? I have, and I had one of those moments last Wednesday, the day before Thanksgiving. When my mom and I split up the cooking duties for our Thanksgiving dinner she had asked if I would bring an appetizer and I agreed, my mind immediately going to a recipe for creamy tortilla pinwheels that I knew would be perfect.
Wednesday night my MIL and I pulled out the ingredients to make them so that they could sit in the refrigerator overnight to let all of the flavors meld together, develop, and get super yummy. Now you’ll have to excuse me, because I’m about to get a bit cheesy and sentimental, and if you can’t handle it, just scroll down to the bottom for the recipe. (I’m blaming it all on being pregnant–it’s those hormones! I swear! I am never cheesy or sentimental otherwise.) As we pulled out those ingredients and I unwrapped the cream cheese to soften it, I began thinking about the first time I tasted these pinwheels. It was back in Japan at a baby shower that was being hosted by my dear friend Ms. M, and she had made them as part of the light brunch that was being served, and they were divine. I, of course, asked for the recipe and she was sweet enough to share it with me.
Thinking about this made me think about Ms. M and how much I miss her. Her daughter was one of Squirrel’s best friends and we attended a mommy and me type music class, called Music Together, once a week together.
We both loved the same noodle place, went on adventures to flea markets, and watched each other’s kids on occasion. Oh how I miss those classes and that time spent with my friend!

This got me reminiscing about our Thanksgiving last year, which was at Ms. M’s house with 3 other dear friends and their families.
It was a full house–kids running everywhere, tons of food, and quite a bit of noise when all of the guys played Xbox after the meal. Although I was so excited to be with family for this Thanksgiving, especially because it was the first time in a long while that we had been with family for Thanksgiving, there was a small part of me that ached to be with those friends again for this day. So it seems appropriate that I was able to take an appetizer that was infused with memories of Japan and a bit of Ms. M to our Thanksgiving dinner.

Okay, so those pinwheels? Really, seriously, they are yummy. The filling is a mix of cream cheese, sour cream, green chiles, olives, green onion, and cheddar cheese that is then spread of the biggest tortillas you can get your hands on, then rolled up and sliced into little rounds.


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Creamy Tortilla Pinwheels

1 package (8-oz.) cream cheese, softened
10 -12 oz. sour cream
1 4-oz. can of diced green chiles (drained)
6 green onions, chopped
1/2 small can (4.25-oz.) diced olives
2 c. finely grated cheddar cheese
5-6 burrito size flour tortillas (or 2 1/2 wrap size)

1. Whip softened cream cheese until a bit lighter and fluffier.

2. Begin mixing in sour cream a bit at a time until you reach a consistency and flavor that you like.

3. Mix in chilies, green onions, olives, and cheddar cheese until well mixed.

4. Spread on tortillas, then roll up.

5. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours (I like to make mine the day before so that I can refrigerate them overnight).

6. Slice into 1/2 – 1 inch slices and serve.


Coming Tomorrow: The Great Yak Escapade

{ 17 comments… read them below or add one }

Christina December 1, 2008 at 3:26 pm

These look so good! Oh and I tried out your pumpkin chocolate chip cookie recipe. Seriously, some of the best cookies, hands down.

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Lorraine E December 1, 2008 at 4:56 pm

They look delicious-I’ve had something similar and all I can remember is eating a lot of them :lol: Love the pictures of the kimono too and your girls look so cute together.

And the Great Yak Escapade? I’m instantly intrigued!

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K and S December 1, 2008 at 6:06 pm

what a great foodie memory! can’t wait to hear about the yak too.

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Angie December 1, 2008 at 7:44 pm

Those pinwheels look yummy. I need to buy some chopped green chilis and then I’m ready to roll!

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LollyChops December 1, 2008 at 9:18 pm

I totally forgot about these little yummies! I used to make them ALL the time.. I like your version and will def have to give this a shot. it’s perfect movie food that’s for sure!

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Bob December 1, 2008 at 10:59 pm

Those look wicked good and memories with food are the best (although sometimes bittersweet)! I miss my mom whenever I make stroganoff and I think of my dad whenever I make cocoa ripple ring.

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Damaris December 2, 2008 at 3:53 pm

these looks awesome. I am going to make them for sure.

Enzo and I LOVE Music Together. We are going on our 4th book/CD this Winter.

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Melissa Hodgen December 2, 2008 at 9:20 pm

Looks perfect for a Christmas party. Can’t wait to try them. I’ll make sure to let them sit overnight.
I too was very sentimental during pregnancy, and it’s never a bad thing!

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Fuji Mama December 3, 2008 at 9:34 am

Lorraine–Yes, eating a lot of them is definitely what happens when I make them! That’s why I only make them when I need to bring an appetizer somewhere, otherwise I would end up eating them all myself!

Christina– I’m so excited that you made and liked the pumpkin chocolate chip cookies! They are a huge family favorite and I always make them several times every fall.

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Jen December 3, 2008 at 9:43 pm

YUM! I am so happy you have such fond memories and great friends. What a blessing both those things are! Oh, and good food too, can’t forget that!
♥Jen

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Ayie December 4, 2008 at 12:51 am

Me and my husband love eating tortillas. This one looks so goos and mouth watering. I love the cream cheese! I think I’ll frequent your blog from now on.

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Fuji Mama December 4, 2008 at 12:56 am

Ayie– Ha ha ha, I’m a cream cheese lover myself! Thanks for stopping by, I’m glad to have you! :-)

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Leigh December 4, 2008 at 9:03 am

the pinwheels look sooooo yummy!

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Fuji Mama December 4, 2008 at 9:08 am

Ooooh, they are Leigh! :-)

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Kevin December 6, 2008 at 2:02 pm

Those pin wheels look so good!

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sushi2 December 7, 2008 at 12:52 pm

Yum. The recipe sounds delicious. I’ll be trying this over the holidays =)

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Michelle Armstrong September 20, 2020 at 3:48 pm

Hi! I made this recipe today and I swapped some ingredients. Came out perfect.
My biggest lesson was to BE PATIENT and BE SURE to refrigerate them for as long as you can. I tried to eat them *on the spot* and I made myself stop and get them in the refrigerator. HUGE DIFFERENCE! It’s like the cold temperature makes it taste even better! Must be the change of the texture, it is more enjoyable.

Thank you. I will repeat this- oh! And I used low carb everything so it was the best keto treat ever.

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