tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-48848555617450838562024-02-19T19:38:50.870+13:00Cherry bentoDelicious, healthy and cute bento blog.cherry bentohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03513340453440638869noreply@blogger.comBlogger26125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4884855561745083856.post-66320953247098282792011-08-13T18:23:00.000+12:002011-08-13T18:23:21.907+12:00Toddler bento 004<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiofYYiUW52tJ_EEY23fuDte2jlN76Ine4f4fq1TprBreeQcpTAMD4-ZZ7_paZPbm0Uc1C-cEh8a6cTQ4HgVte2uH7XgYkprhxGz18vDzGmBGXKkLB3bpwPWkj6dbPoB5FlVV3SRfk4lfY/s1600/Toddler+bento+004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiofYYiUW52tJ_EEY23fuDte2jlN76Ine4f4fq1TprBreeQcpTAMD4-ZZ7_paZPbm0Uc1C-cEh8a6cTQ4HgVte2uH7XgYkprhxGz18vDzGmBGXKkLB3bpwPWkj6dbPoB5FlVV3SRfk4lfY/s400/Toddler+bento+004.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Toddler bento 004</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Well, sadly for me daycare didn't work out for Miss A. But I will try to continue making bento's for her even though she will eat them at home. Today's bento: scrambled egg on cos lettuce leaves, cherry tomatoes and green grapes. </span>cherry bentohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03513340453440638869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4884855561745083856.post-18399140918734977562011-08-09T21:59:00.001+12:002011-08-09T22:00:08.715+12:00Toddler bento 003<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRIyosKqLAvX8vJcso_ZtijdhLI55fVM_Hy2cxmkjlw_8sZwgIv_ewqxuxTOL-GcWu2jyMg5RDmU969EFC5U-3OOoSVYKLHFpsGcDfQkkcB1qv8k7hYQvrezGn_Zaj7pjXRdQ0VD3iebw/s1600/Toddler+bento+003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="321" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRIyosKqLAvX8vJcso_ZtijdhLI55fVM_Hy2cxmkjlw_8sZwgIv_ewqxuxTOL-GcWu2jyMg5RDmU969EFC5U-3OOoSVYKLHFpsGcDfQkkcB1qv8k7hYQvrezGn_Zaj7pjXRdQ0VD3iebw/s400/Toddler+bento+003.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Toddler bento 003</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">After going overboard last time with food that didn't get eaten, a simpler toddler bento today. Just yoghurt and fresh fruit (green grapes and plum). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Never mind the fact I had to go pick her up after only an hour (she had been crying non-stop since I dropped her off).</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>cherry bentohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03513340453440638869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4884855561745083856.post-89665100294539694992011-08-04T22:25:00.017+12:002011-08-06T14:49:10.923+12:00Toddler bento 002<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Xer5N0H_m8TYq-q8wvwqcEeSOZB72H8FQPEWYoIlC64bQ92bKGPxuC36I4L2wAniftxJ1tif-ZYWx-pXAEfNJTIHwq6MguaNA2m1tazn70LTOtwjZGGbJTMqsHdCHqEKxlJHESmpud0/s1600/Toddler+bento+002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Xer5N0H_m8TYq-q8wvwqcEeSOZB72H8FQPEWYoIlC64bQ92bKGPxuC36I4L2wAniftxJ1tif-ZYWx-pXAEfNJTIHwq6MguaNA2m1tazn70LTOtwjZGGbJTMqsHdCHqEKxlJHESmpud0/s400/Toddler+bento+002.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Toddler</strong> <strong>bento #002</strong> - Moroccan couscous with peas, scrambled egg, fresh plum pieces, bran buds, raisins, banana and whole milk. After I made this 'bento' it felt like I had enough food for a 10 year old! I knew she'd never eat all this, but hoped she would try a little of everything. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">The banana was shared with me, she ate most of the bran buds, and I fed her some of the couscous and egg. Saved the rest for later when she had the plum and raisins, but the couscous and egg ended up being thrown away. I really hate wasting food (I'd sooner just eat it myself) but it had been in a hot car so I didn't know if it would still be ok.</span>cherry bentohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03513340453440638869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4884855561745083856.post-54933498672119458812011-08-02T09:37:00.008+12:002011-08-06T13:20:55.107+12:00Toddler bento 001<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Finally I have a 'reason' to make bento again! My little girl "Miss A" is now 18 months old and yesterday she started in-home daycare for the first time. Means I'll be making her a packed lunch to bring twice a week. </span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1fgR_nk9Mt7AfWBAG3c1gYoXXe3JphtJN6QxYLORavD6uyITFT2wFyRCgszpJVVaWb3IUfHYfticqsmRMJsGHPvz5GiF7g1EhOtGepW5DtVT1nHeM6s6jAwXK8ErkvI5Z2Wreu_yXddk/s1600/First++toddler+bento.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1fgR_nk9Mt7AfWBAG3c1gYoXXe3JphtJN6QxYLORavD6uyITFT2wFyRCgszpJVVaWb3IUfHYfticqsmRMJsGHPvz5GiF7g1EhOtGepW5DtVT1nHeM6s6jAwXK8ErkvI5Z2Wreu_yXddk/s400/First++toddler+bento.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Toddler bento 001</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Her first lunch was just a selection of things I hoped she would eat (she is not a big eater, and I knew half of it would come back, which it did). You probably can't really call it a -bento-, but my aim is to make her interesting lunches of the bento kind.</span>cherry bentohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03513340453440638869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4884855561745083856.post-32096715563853025812011-04-20T12:42:00.000+12:002011-04-20T12:42:09.714+12:00Pasta bento<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">One thing I love about bento is it really helps with portion control, making it easier when you want to lose some weight. After having baby I lost so much weight there was a time I felt I was <em>too</em> thin, but have since gained some of it back, now I want to lose some again. So a bento at home today, using what I had on hand. Might be time to go shopping for some vege bento fillers.</span></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbpXE9ObZzTdJAc02kIJObXXtTfX8koMt9GInXDT35IDcgHZKaGMxNcFy0KmCBGRLwjIBGSa9O0Wi0Kz2_XIW2pyLPSReGi1RQMgtvVtc1nkMJbUaB03s6aXf2XKVMYRxfaeQj7MuDEow/s1600/IMG_7019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" i8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbpXE9ObZzTdJAc02kIJObXXtTfX8koMt9GInXDT35IDcgHZKaGMxNcFy0KmCBGRLwjIBGSa9O0Wi0Kz2_XIW2pyLPSReGi1RQMgtvVtc1nkMJbUaB03s6aXf2XKVMYRxfaeQj7MuDEow/s1600/IMG_7019.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Pasta wheels in a squash and tomato sauce, 1-egg tamagoyaki and brocolli. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div>cherry bentohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03513340453440638869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4884855561745083856.post-35753525757857757362011-03-29T11:13:00.001+13:002011-03-29T11:31:36.348+13:00German Pancake with Pears<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK1ZtFy4ZRBC0OefdO-QqYDplCS7isjQ8B68-3QcftngpfZ9GxuET3YtPhvnoVOha-CF_1JgEz562DHjnLWwTyXQWyzJS08-b9dJ7Rv5adIQexgd2qxrfB2POAvLezuN3-jYo12nj6m2I/s1600/Pear+pancake+web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="318" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK1ZtFy4ZRBC0OefdO-QqYDplCS7isjQ8B68-3QcftngpfZ9GxuET3YtPhvnoVOha-CF_1JgEz562DHjnLWwTyXQWyzJS08-b9dJ7Rv5adIQexgd2qxrfB2POAvLezuN3-jYo12nj6m2I/s400/Pear+pancake+web.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">German Pancake with Pears</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">It's an oven-baked pancake, resembles the traditional Dutch 'Apple Cake' but without the all the butter and a lot less sugar. Pears are used instead of apples but either can be nice</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>German Pancake with Pears</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">4 eggs</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">1 cup milk</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">2 Tbs sugar</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">1/2 tsp ground cinnamon</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">1/4 tsp salt</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">3/4 cup self raising flour</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">2 pears, cored and thinly siced</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Combine eggs, milk, sugar, cinnamon and salt, beat with electric mixer.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Add flour and beat again.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Pour the mixture into a greased round cake tin or oven-proof skillet.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Top with the sliced pears.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Bake in preheated oven (230 degrees Celcius) for 20-25 mins.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Optional: </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Mix equal amounts of sugar and cinnamon and sprinkle on top prior to baking. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">OR</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Sprinkle with powdered sugar after baking.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Serve warm with vanilla ice cream.</span>cherry bentohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03513340453440638869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4884855561745083856.post-4168000237582702642011-03-22T13:04:00.006+13:002011-03-22T14:13:40.338+13:00Salmon, soba, and roasted red bell pepper sauce<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Living in a tiny studio apartment with my 14 month old, is not ideal. Hoping it's only for another 3 months, which means another house move at the end of June. My bento stuff is mostly packed away in boxes due to lack of space in my 'kitchen' that doubles as living room, bedroom, dining room, and storage. I do live within 3 mins of a supermarket AND an Asian food store so I should be able to get back into making bento. Here is today's bento lunch eaten at home. See below for recipe for roasted red bell pepper sauce with lime. </span> <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ-XSW8XKNgcFjFy86nQPYmvwMv-4Srz5pFyqV9BHa-Xq-qt7hbtxskNiMRgPhKMgGkYT1GGsUCWkJhW-UshBgzw4LlNGTcFfr5q8hOIjN7xZVBmGXkNEOt5-YgWEIqKDDz7UkR84azpQ/s1600/bento+Mar22-11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="295" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ-XSW8XKNgcFjFy86nQPYmvwMv-4Srz5pFyqV9BHa-Xq-qt7hbtxskNiMRgPhKMgGkYT1GGsUCWkJhW-UshBgzw4LlNGTcFfr5q8hOIjN7xZVBmGXkNEOt5-YgWEIqKDDz7UkR84azpQ/s400/bento+Mar22-11.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Soba noodles, red bell pepper sauce, salmon, tomato and cucumber</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Soba noodles with toasted sesame seeds and 'soba sauce' from the Asian supermarket. Red bell pepper sauce with lime, cooked salmon, tomato and cucumber slices.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"><strong>Red roasted bell pepper sauce with lime</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">2 large red bell peppers (capsicum)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">2 Tbs good olive oil</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">2 cloves garlic, minced</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">juice & zest of 1 lime</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">salt & freshly ground pepper</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Roast the bell peppers for ~10 mins until the skin blackens. Cool and peel off the skin.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Warm the olive oil <u>gently</u> and stir in the garlic for a minute.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Place roasted pepper, olive oil, garlic and juice & zest of 1 lime in food processor and mix till desired consistency. Season with salt & freshly ground pepper.</span>cherry bentohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03513340453440638869noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4884855561745083856.post-81971823993286183352010-11-10T16:06:00.084+13:002010-11-12T19:15:41.615+13:00Thai Tropical Tapioca Dessert<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Desserts are a treat! I have been exploring recipes more than making bento lately. Thai food is my second favourite after Japanese and I really wanted to try out some new recipes. I made <a href="http://thaifood.about.com/od/vegetarianthairecipes/r/thaifriedrice.htm">"Thai Heavenly Pineapple Fried Rice"</a> which tasted divine and really lived up to its name. It inspired me to make some more hot and spicy Thai food, but after all that chilli I really craved a Thai-style dessert. </span></div> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-kBLS5ReT9NvK9WuUR8Meia0tUEaOx85YYwCIOmFpVkPHfFrnxbXmiRefE1wBe6aaquIY5zEv99W_WIC4pTt3jhFH28EgwhHLeMjyn1vazqg2OQts1QsxwMF99vqQXLPAa-QaSobSLac/s1600/IMG_5631.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-kBLS5ReT9NvK9WuUR8Meia0tUEaOx85YYwCIOmFpVkPHfFrnxbXmiRefE1wBe6aaquIY5zEv99W_WIC4pTt3jhFH28EgwhHLeMjyn1vazqg2OQts1QsxwMF99vqQXLPAa-QaSobSLac/s400/IMG_5631.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><strong></strong><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>Tropical Tapioca with mango and coconut</strong> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Every now and then I like to try something new. I'd never eaten Tapioca before, or come across it in a restaurant. </span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I bought tapioca the size of large pearls. Smaller beads of sago was also available; but although it looks very similar to tapioca, according to Wikipedia: <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tapioca">Tapioca</a> is cassava root. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sago">Sago</a> is the pith of sago palm stems. </span><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Either way, I was a bit skeptical at first...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcRKOhXCEsHYInomFm1ZUGQgkFCMsqJe6fw3hC5gLicorkuGZwHxTaT6xEMFWu9GYnzM0G8iwT8X7j2uBV4wN2n8zabK64g572WWIeLZK092BBLv_bQOCvEzkbP_MpUh1qNAcPf3_ZY0I/s1600/IMG_5628.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcRKOhXCEsHYInomFm1ZUGQgkFCMsqJe6fw3hC5gLicorkuGZwHxTaT6xEMFWu9GYnzM0G8iwT8X7j2uBV4wN2n8zabK64g572WWIeLZK092BBLv_bQOCvEzkbP_MpUh1qNAcPf3_ZY0I/s200/IMG_5628.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">The first pot of tapioca got burnt and just didn't look right. Not that I knew what it was supposed to look like. The second time I kept a close eye on it - but when it was supposed to be done it looked more like a pot of thick glue with styrofoam beads (like from the inside of a bean bag). I thought maybe I'd gone wrong somewhere and <em>almost</em> threw it out again. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">But no, I gave it a chance and carried on with the recipe. </span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">So, after the pre-soaked tapioca was simmered in salted water, it was left to cool until lukewarm, to let the rest of the 'beads' soften. (It is still unbeknown to me if all the tapoica was supposed to become translucent).</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"><strong>To put together the pudding</strong>, scoop a portion of cooked, lukewarm (or cold) tapioca into a dish. Drizzle with maple syrup, top with mango slices, and pour over a few spoonfuls of coconut milk (the lite version is great, with just half the calories). </span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Take it from me, when you serve tapioca this way it tastes amazing. It's the toppings here that make this dish a success.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Eating this decadent dessert takes your mind to a tropical island, palm trees swaying in the breeze, coconut and mango go so well together. That's one thing I love about Thai food, it's never bland, always interesting and full of different flavours.</span></div>cherry bentohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03513340453440638869noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4884855561745083856.post-25371477506145900782010-11-03T08:11:00.000+13:002010-11-03T08:11:51.289+13:00Baby bento<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv4w8-7GL2OMa3A4PZiALdpJtoLgCnAnhcufHDUF3BTVrpjn9NLRK6dxjkcD9evtVriOUnx0sQVfZ2H-79H4OYaqvTOmQOypdgEH-35jkBIcJ7mYkEJL3C1Ki_rLJ1_JaJRlwLs9WTiac/s1600/IMG_5374.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv4w8-7GL2OMa3A4PZiALdpJtoLgCnAnhcufHDUF3BTVrpjn9NLRK6dxjkcD9evtVriOUnx0sQVfZ2H-79H4OYaqvTOmQOypdgEH-35jkBIcJ7mYkEJL3C1Ki_rLJ1_JaJRlwLs9WTiac/s1600/IMG_5374.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">A bento for my baby girl that she ate in her stroller while we were at the Parent and Child show. Cheese hearts, sultana bran buds and a couple of 'bread sticks' (baby teething biscuits). </span></div>cherry bentohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03513340453440638869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4884855561745083856.post-86468133873966687582010-10-28T17:49:00.003+13:002010-10-28T18:01:04.412+13:00BB Bento<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkXjzWn-_U-Zjg4BHNIC1-cPnQP8MHGmdjAAEJQCrJW17VVttz-lrZX06e0wEIwjiBXcV3ks_H_CGNeKjbsfEro8AFx2mvCw9zsv7gOXjBEj0fb-eLvivDPSlLEv3_s9D27pqSBkUh3Wk/s1600/IMG_5361.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="417" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkXjzWn-_U-Zjg4BHNIC1-cPnQP8MHGmdjAAEJQCrJW17VVttz-lrZX06e0wEIwjiBXcV3ks_H_CGNeKjbsfEro8AFx2mvCw9zsv7gOXjBEj0fb-eLvivDPSlLEv3_s9D27pqSBkUh3Wk/s640/IMG_5361.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
As I was preparing this I thought of a name for it; BB bento - a <u>b</u>it <u>b</u>oring bento, haha. It's just rice with thinly sliced cucumber on top, cherry tomatoes, an omelet cut into quarters and broccoli. If you look closely you'll see some satay sauce on the omelet, which I know is probably not a good idea if you have to transport your bento. But since I eat all of mine at home I thought I'd get away with it. I dont have any of those neat little sauce containers. Maybe I should go shopping for some new bento accessories!<br />
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Which reminds me, I have a useful tip for storage of bento stuff. I bought a couple of plastic baskets that fit neatly on the shelf in the cupboard. One for bento boxes, lids etc, and another for all those itty bitty items; picks, molds, vege cutters and so on. Now all I have to do is pull out the required basket, find what I want, and put it all neatly back in the cupboard. Saves stuff getting lost or pushed to the darkest corner of your pantry never to see light of day again.cherry bentohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03513340453440638869noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4884855561745083856.post-86552588970497746022010-10-19T12:29:00.001+13:002010-10-19T16:47:38.749+13:00Baby Girls first bento!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkhHhkP46oqUZeCvwWBuM1mZHdVbiiTC3tIADqR7dfeg-Ni2-X8vso73gRob-d1Io4VGNlk6GYWxj9VNgiW27EsjveaoJVi4r3k1lhUzQLhBs8U4OA-U41P22naaTm_nb5xnSKwLAeETY/s1600/Baby+Girl's+first+ever+bento+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkhHhkP46oqUZeCvwWBuM1mZHdVbiiTC3tIADqR7dfeg-Ni2-X8vso73gRob-d1Io4VGNlk6GYWxj9VNgiW27EsjveaoJVi4r3k1lhUzQLhBs8U4OA-U41P22naaTm_nb5xnSKwLAeETY/s1600/Baby+Girl's+first+ever+bento+sm.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I knew the day would come :) I just didn't know it would come so soon.... BabyGirl's first ever bento!! The first thing she did when I gave it to her was tip it all out, but she can be excused, that's what they do at 9 months old. :) Here she is enjoying it...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNkX3HCkdkKdU6ES_mXwzM-dV0HzWCV_kGWDswIgptXSi9F9ODQRQaTjLeKIlVgn_ABQBrXY6c7xiAZJSGLPxEtxg_069mIIrdST_hmS16R8HGZYjdy84ZXaDE_2cuiGAQOBL_N-uvC-o/s1600/Baby+girl+first+bento+collage+web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNkX3HCkdkKdU6ES_mXwzM-dV0HzWCV_kGWDswIgptXSi9F9ODQRQaTjLeKIlVgn_ABQBrXY6c7xiAZJSGLPxEtxg_069mIIrdST_hmS16R8HGZYjdy84ZXaDE_2cuiGAQOBL_N-uvC-o/s640/Baby+girl+first+bento+collage+web.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>cherry bentohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03513340453440638869noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4884855561745083856.post-84752917355818814282010-10-17T20:00:00.005+13:002010-10-18T07:00:54.635+13:00Tamarillo and rice bento<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl4vjfybGuRF31uRat3sqHgfqctfbOnsjY8NPKqR5ujIunjw5yCqrt2fGSAewQWG5wHomHwIYh3tL2YsxcryLJzvtWK-rRUkd_V661VvBMZiHPwCDbGVSxHb-oQRKOKbcCi_hVJ9pqiNQ/s1600/Tamarillo+bento+web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl4vjfybGuRF31uRat3sqHgfqctfbOnsjY8NPKqR5ujIunjw5yCqrt2fGSAewQWG5wHomHwIYh3tL2YsxcryLJzvtWK-rRUkd_V661VvBMZiHPwCDbGVSxHb-oQRKOKbcCi_hVJ9pqiNQ/s1600/Tamarillo+bento+web.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Tamarillo - This exotic fruit is locally grown (I picked some up at the Saturday Farmer's Market), and has a tangy, mildly sweet flavour. I decided to stew them with a little sugar and water, adding a few frozen blueberries for extra sweetness.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It made a delicious and unusual topping for rice with capsicum, the flavours actually went very well together. In the other dish of the bento are some crumbed chicken filet pieces, baby carrots & beans. I cut the last tamarillo in half to show what they look like when fresh. I think they taste better cooked though.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The stewed tamarillo also made a nice topping for vanilla ice cream! </div>cherry bentohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03513340453440638869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4884855561745083856.post-35556280279980847352010-10-15T13:54:00.002+13:002010-10-18T08:02:13.488+13:00Sesame fish cakes bento (+recipe)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM-U4TedUNpV4EbzI1Q2JnhXciQw-GhQvO_BeTehu7Uab-xzDKTgAlaW8FeCh-4twSg3HdO-c5LgEU9iuZH7z20LNrZVG5kRQeJsCYYPcbFOixdC_f0Fmv-0DoD_6vFSY4YoC9-p2cBeY/s1600/Sesame+fish+cakes+bento+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM-U4TedUNpV4EbzI1Q2JnhXciQw-GhQvO_BeTehu7Uab-xzDKTgAlaW8FeCh-4twSg3HdO-c5LgEU9iuZH7z20LNrZVG5kRQeJsCYYPcbFOixdC_f0Fmv-0DoD_6vFSY4YoC9-p2cBeY/s1600/Sesame+fish+cakes+bento+sm.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Sesame coated fish cakes are one of my favourites, and a good way to use up leftover mashed potatoes from dinner the night before. The recipe is below, you can kind of adapt it to how much time you have got when you are making your bento, and how adventurous you want (or don't want) to be. They feature in this bento on a bed of baby lettuce leaves, with fresh tomato halves and some chopped mango. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><u>Sesame coated fish cakes:</u></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">~1 1/2 cups leftover mashed potato (you can vary the amount if you have a bit more or less is ok)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1 can of tuna, drained</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1 egg</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">salt and pepper to taste</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">and any (or all) of the following:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">crushed garlic</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">finely chopped onion</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">finely chopped red pepper</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">small amount of grated cheese</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Mix everything together, shape into flattened balls and roll in sesame seeds. Cook on both sides in a little olive oil. If you want you can place them on a paper towel before putting into your bento (I like to do this to remove any excess oil). These fish cakes are not only tasty, they look good as well!</div>cherry bentohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03513340453440638869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4884855561745083856.post-18710255713450160952010-10-10T07:47:00.000+13:002010-10-10T07:47:37.022+13:00Hello Kitty bento<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnR0GHhvUry68BitBhep8kpS4Qi1EIuM8tM3gJEkKJHZhKlZkgfsOcwX0FTDkEYVoJkdHIjg0D0EVMqSNHKjLMEecQjGkA1wVyAD5SwxB0O6dssJTLKLacrnnGC_QVH1ybo45_1ihbjWg/s1600/Hello+Kitty+bento.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnR0GHhvUry68BitBhep8kpS4Qi1EIuM8tM3gJEkKJHZhKlZkgfsOcwX0FTDkEYVoJkdHIjg0D0EVMqSNHKjLMEecQjGkA1wVyAD5SwxB0O6dssJTLKLacrnnGC_QVH1ybo45_1ihbjWg/s1600/Hello+Kitty+bento.JPG" /></a></div>Hello Kitty! My first ever cute bento in the making. I know she's not complete, I had to improvise a bit for the eyes, nose and she has no real whiskers. Baby girl was being especially fussy while I was trying to put this together so had to try and feed her at the same time. But we shared the Hello Kitty bento when all was said and done. :)cherry bentohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03513340453440638869noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4884855561745083856.post-84579856080242089142010-10-09T16:38:00.005+13:002010-10-09T21:00:26.524+13:00Cute little sandwich bento<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzxUb7_IW7X2s0SM7DDN7aTAtjCWASyIGwFVfqzabMPU5ZJ9DrhgtE8mR3I1FBImJQdPzU_zVjJTQfLFC1vn8RyxPr9yYIfmCrnG-dRrytLggEdJvOchMTDVPtizxWWynZ7TbQ0OmrkXI/s1600/5045229989_74be11207e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzxUb7_IW7X2s0SM7DDN7aTAtjCWASyIGwFVfqzabMPU5ZJ9DrhgtE8mR3I1FBImJQdPzU_zVjJTQfLFC1vn8RyxPr9yYIfmCrnG-dRrytLggEdJvOchMTDVPtizxWWynZ7TbQ0OmrkXI/s1600/5045229989_74be11207e.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">When all you have in your kitchen is fruit, veg and bread, this is an easy bento to make. I made a salad sandwich and cut it into little shapes with a sandwich cutter. Insert a cute pick such as the Hello Kitty one to help hold it together. Add some fresh strawberries, ripe plum and kiwifruit "blossoms" in a little pink box, this makes for a fruity bento lunch.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I've been a little busy with my photography course this past week, but did pick up a copy of <a href="http://www.aibento.net/">Crystal (Pikko)</a> and <a href="http://www.cuteobento.com/">Maki's (luckysundae)</a> book Yum-Yum Bento Box from our local library today...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNMbgkmO5hn2_jrBu5dCAAGW_XxAQ776nz03QH5z4QmF_cWJFRZ163O8j5EKQAyhEgAwbxnu0wePBHJO5Tryej8z9hg9ZKyqeWQBZUJLmsFc01t5EeagfPK8fejg4pjJ-jpSfNmyz8D8A/s1600/IMG_4943.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNMbgkmO5hn2_jrBu5dCAAGW_XxAQ776nz03QH5z4QmF_cWJFRZ163O8j5EKQAyhEgAwbxnu0wePBHJO5Tryej8z9hg9ZKyqeWQBZUJLmsFc01t5EeagfPK8fejg4pjJ-jpSfNmyz8D8A/s1600/IMG_4943.JPG" /></a></div><br />
It really is packed full of tips and everything you need to know for making cute Charaben bento. In fact I'm so impressed with this book that I might buy my own copy to keep. Baby girl is 9 months old today - one day soon I'd love to start making her cute bento!<br />
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</div>cherry bentohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03513340453440638869noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4884855561745083856.post-60345911320954571302010-10-03T10:08:00.000+13:002010-10-03T10:08:25.746+13:00Korean tea and rice cakes - a feast for your eyes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFv7b9DsHHMntSxAc2OioFCvobUqu-wEnca22SmsQiqbBNdgAkXwm50DTfZetJQ4x-37h9fGaMH_8o_hFiWxCs1u1xe8jVZ2wNS07lB0NhdR8nROP3I6LBhDI-yPROVNzp9dZfCuohsac/s1600/Korean+rice+cakes+1+web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFv7b9DsHHMntSxAc2OioFCvobUqu-wEnca22SmsQiqbBNdgAkXwm50DTfZetJQ4x-37h9fGaMH_8o_hFiWxCs1u1xe8jVZ2wNS07lB0NhdR8nROP3I6LBhDI-yPROVNzp9dZfCuohsac/s1600/Korean+rice+cakes+1+web.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Yesterday we visited a food and cooking demonstration of international food at the local museum, this week it was Korea. I had my camera with me and took some pictures of the rice cakes - they were so pretty! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN817KT0hzSO_RnB0td5SQ98t5Qs_LtsQJLuZvQvGcvAgXrRDHoZfkbw5_ymGfxHaH0QAkaiMpqnxLbTsqgxcdsxnXQ-0cPL-Cl_CTjCLWEFYFnSM0zSTTtDAirDn7Q18jR-Eb4lQ7kss/s1600/Korean+rice+cake+circle+web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN817KT0hzSO_RnB0td5SQ98t5Qs_LtsQJLuZvQvGcvAgXrRDHoZfkbw5_ymGfxHaH0QAkaiMpqnxLbTsqgxcdsxnXQ-0cPL-Cl_CTjCLWEFYFnSM0zSTTtDAirDn7Q18jR-Eb4lQ7kss/s1600/Korean+rice+cake+circle+web.jpg" /></a></div><br />
These authentic Korean rice cakes have layers made with natural colourings. They were a feast for your eyes and we all got to try some. They're only slightly sweet and probably a lot healthier than regular, European cakes made with butter, sugar and flour. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0R4TqOU2rDIbaZyaJV95RlDc03fgGg8CE_wH79rSa4Az_aBWivsCe6YxCfea7-egtuoN7zXGzES2pq4MiSp8rbzrk8uT6ohyiyUvcoos90zZkwdC3Koa4l_kIAoILaEnWgdenGIqQ5Y8/s1600/Korean+tea+2+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="330" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0R4TqOU2rDIbaZyaJV95RlDc03fgGg8CE_wH79rSa4Az_aBWivsCe6YxCfea7-egtuoN7zXGzES2pq4MiSp8rbzrk8uT6ohyiyUvcoos90zZkwdC3Koa4l_kIAoILaEnWgdenGIqQ5Y8/s400/Korean+tea+2+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3FOL6mWjOsANL-9wy7QWGBpyAciBwQi3safw6p7pV1laRxFJT1jM9uudlBSjAYbaICKA-HEKLLY_w8rgztLmRjYaitDD4HNyRZ-P7_QjvesWHSKtCisdrrkRI7FWnDrBHLsu-IM-pjdU/s1600/Korean+rice+cake+heart+big.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3FOL6mWjOsANL-9wy7QWGBpyAciBwQi3safw6p7pV1laRxFJT1jM9uudlBSjAYbaICKA-HEKLLY_w8rgztLmRjYaitDD4HNyRZ-P7_QjvesWHSKtCisdrrkRI7FWnDrBHLsu-IM-pjdU/s1600/Korean+rice+cake+heart+big.jpg" /></a></div><br />
One thing I find again and again and that I love is with a lot of Asian food the emphasis is so much on presentation. From the elaborate platters of Japanese sushi and sashimi, delicately carved vegetables of a Thai banquet, and now these beautiful Korean rice cakes.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkfI6vdpdVrQSKVwEwvHfpCDrQ8qQoocZnXOD1Z_mmnwE1wzBpHmjramKTZmwiqtgV04K7Qta-JAFe6DQGM3yhqsPWn8lCR9pfDQcBo-EpmI6cb2jQ2DjcIoeEJYsN51IguaDbTCPN2mA/s1600/Korean+tea+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkfI6vdpdVrQSKVwEwvHfpCDrQ8qQoocZnXOD1Z_mmnwE1wzBpHmjramKTZmwiqtgV04K7Qta-JAFe6DQGM3yhqsPWn8lCR9pfDQcBo-EpmI6cb2jQ2DjcIoeEJYsN51IguaDbTCPN2mA/s1600/Korean+tea+sm.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">I've had the pleasure of dining at some fine restaurants from time to time and something beautifully presented always rates highly to me. And that's why I love bento so much, it's about creating something beautiful that's healthy at the same time. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div>cherry bentohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03513340453440638869noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4884855561745083856.post-27654972624105026012010-10-02T16:19:00.000+13:002010-10-02T16:19:48.240+13:00Fish filet bento<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidFV6JuA8EonHrLYQw-nABpSsL7owkSp5NA8r6UnmjGj8xez9cgeiIul9zvm8dAw1_TwZyOB7SEISwdRjyUG3calJKUgLfVYMbpYD_M8ftl0u4h1Exse_MAPGthlGiCgClbVwlGCXWfiE/s1600/IMG_4642.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidFV6JuA8EonHrLYQw-nABpSsL7owkSp5NA8r6UnmjGj8xez9cgeiIul9zvm8dAw1_TwZyOB7SEISwdRjyUG3calJKUgLfVYMbpYD_M8ftl0u4h1Exse_MAPGthlGiCgClbVwlGCXWfiE/s1600/IMG_4642.JPG" /></a></div><br />
A simply delicious and healthy bento dinner. Tarakihi filets cooked in a little olive oil on a bed of cos lettuce heart leaves. Slices of tomato and cuke and some sticks of carrot. I was a little hurried or I would've added a few decorative touches.cherry bentohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03513340453440638869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4884855561745083856.post-25215000089280873642010-09-24T20:22:00.001+12:002010-09-25T15:33:11.271+12:00Earth gems and appelmoes <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKkuqGYnRP1VOuo8z89Xp356-VNa_h2cWY9UZ19ILKCg4ynQ1lm9XSPSkzHijGBLPD_n7myyNDLowbWPvbcMgewatO2-uJgNDPktvuJxu_IjwMviMQSG9AZve0XsE6cW-Ce0vPTKaJhXs/s1600/IMG_4284.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="440" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKkuqGYnRP1VOuo8z89Xp356-VNa_h2cWY9UZ19ILKCg4ynQ1lm9XSPSkzHijGBLPD_n7myyNDLowbWPvbcMgewatO2-uJgNDPktvuJxu_IjwMviMQSG9AZve0XsE6cW-Ce0vPTKaJhXs/s640/IMG_4284.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Summer fruit and earth gems bento</td></tr>
</tbody></table> These tiny potato-like nuggets are marketed here as "Earth gems" or jewels of the Inca's. As soon as I saw them I thought: bento! They have a taste and texture much like new potatoes, but more earthy. Very nice dipped in <em>appelmoes, </em>or apple puree. Also in this bento is a sliced nectarine and plum, fresh avocado, vine-ripened tomato and cuke.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Earth gems bento (#2)</td></tr>
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</div>Second bento featuring the earth gems. Not the best photography I know, but there was no natural light left at that time of day. Included is a simple <a href="http://justbento.com/handbook/recipe-collection-mains/1-egg-tamagoyaki-japanese-omelette">1 egg tamagoyaki</a> (or my attempt at one).cherry bentohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03513340453440638869noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4884855561745083856.post-1499233212472874892010-09-19T14:19:00.003+12:002010-09-22T07:44:39.694+12:00Sesame seed coated fish cakes and rooiekool<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZqN80Le4u0RnpvvBHu85CyDc5ivJiC8hPs4OaqhuBaVw2BuZJpcbiiJ1YBluoWoxr7bZNsvPo5o8SxIw6u2MN3NO8_KnT02I0HYIzDmx88mwrqlomZ1f6OCYgNs6S-zhOOMx6vZ2dyYg/s1600/second+view+of+same+bento.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="406" qx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZqN80Le4u0RnpvvBHu85CyDc5ivJiC8hPs4OaqhuBaVw2BuZJpcbiiJ1YBluoWoxr7bZNsvPo5o8SxIw6u2MN3NO8_KnT02I0HYIzDmx88mwrqlomZ1f6OCYgNs6S-zhOOMx6vZ2dyYg/s640/second+view+of+same+bento.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
I'm pleased with how this bento turned out. It features a new colour I hadn't used yet before in my bento's - purple. Red cabbage with apple to be more precise, or <em>rooiekool </em>in Dutch - t's my grandmother's recipe. And then there are fish cakes coated in sesame seeds nestled with tomatoes on a bed of lettuce. Lightly roasted cashews nuts, fresh avocado and carrots. A very satisfying bento lunch!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMif7SwuTPoBwJGvM6JzTk3c_bmjlA7MOfz4s5gUoErksLpMq6MlMzMnk0ZDoRKqR_RdRu28J7VzIOeoPzZ2y-lQ8wYOWkd9Dp7ZL9O5Q1v-G4_djRkQ49RmcmgZYtOcaGfccdTfosLDw/s1600/Colourful+bento.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" qx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMif7SwuTPoBwJGvM6JzTk3c_bmjlA7MOfz4s5gUoErksLpMq6MlMzMnk0ZDoRKqR_RdRu28J7VzIOeoPzZ2y-lQ8wYOWkd9Dp7ZL9O5Q1v-G4_djRkQ49RmcmgZYtOcaGfccdTfosLDw/s400/Colourful+bento.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>cherry bentohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03513340453440638869noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4884855561745083856.post-1301694205080915592010-09-17T08:16:00.004+12:002010-09-18T09:09:44.866+12:00Bento al fresco<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTfLDowdpX2ZVIr7IAJbTvc1pDM8d7kdwaRBSiJyNXw0w10GdQqM8uHwS9YNuO0WTkHLGdsF5D5GB56y5S5U45OAutC9mSAl-3BkBuUQkNtGk_x-H8XRQ2cNPGttIBWcvOjgaj3gcFVOs/s1600/IMG_4150.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="355" qx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTfLDowdpX2ZVIr7IAJbTvc1pDM8d7kdwaRBSiJyNXw0w10GdQqM8uHwS9YNuO0WTkHLGdsF5D5GB56y5S5U45OAutC9mSAl-3BkBuUQkNtGk_x-H8XRQ2cNPGttIBWcvOjgaj3gcFVOs/s400/IMG_4150.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Orzo and tomato salad bento</td></tr>
</tbody></table>A bento with an al fresco feel - orzo and tomato salad nestled in a bed of lettuce, topped with avocado butterflies. Some cinnamon spiced pumpkin pieces and a ripe plum for dessert.<br />
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This pasta salad is great for bento as it is quick and easy! Orzo is ready in 5-6 mins, so while it's cooking just fry some onion and garlic in a little olive oil, chop some fresh tomatoes and squeeze the juice of half a lemon. When the orzo is ready, combine all ingredients, season and it's done! Tip: the orzo can be cooled quickly by draining in a sieve and running cold water over it. <br />
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Optional extras: If you have tofu, add a few small cubes when you fry the garlic and onion. Feta cheese can be crumbled into the salad when it's done. Fresh basil goes well with it too!cherry bentohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03513340453440638869noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4884855561745083856.post-55798544242844709702010-09-13T07:40:00.004+12:002010-09-19T14:31:01.854+12:00Vege-filled omelet/nori rolls and falafel with basil<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX-ijh8ITwVahyTSt3XasakcTIeR8v4fHNJcjDOWGtugpUCRJgmvkFqtE3mHPSm6-dOwDQMNwkVsw6sql6Gfv3ChQcQee4K3M1ltM7LF5ZqQrh01wWsBKGCu9-OisMpgX-6SkbKbnxwns/s1600/2010_09_11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="528" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX-ijh8ITwVahyTSt3XasakcTIeR8v4fHNJcjDOWGtugpUCRJgmvkFqtE3mHPSm6-dOwDQMNwkVsw6sql6Gfv3ChQcQee4K3M1ltM7LF5ZqQrh01wWsBKGCu9-OisMpgX-6SkbKbnxwns/s640/2010_09_11.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<strong>Vege filled omelet/nori rolls.</strong> These turned out to make a very colourful bento! They are easy to make as well. You make a 2-egg omelet, being careful not to break it. Transfer it to a plate and top with nori. I used a seasoned kind of nori that comes in one-portion little packets. Place thickly cut sticks of carrot and celery and some snowpea shoots in the centre of the omelet and roll tightly. Trim the ends and cut the omelet roll into pieces. That's it, easy! You can have it with a dipping sauce of your liking, or it is tasty just as it is. Other veges can of course be used for the filling. The other dish contains falafel with basil, using ready-made mix they take only a few minutes to cook when making your bento in the morning. Happy bento making!cherry bentohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03513340453440638869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4884855561745083856.post-69686309617453595542010-09-11T07:42:00.008+12:002010-09-17T09:19:27.738+12:00"Let little seem like much, as long as it is fresh and beautiful" (Japanese ryori)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZRBef5aZ80io4l7DDox2Frq9OSEXhl0H0PeYX-e3fjYnol4f_FNBd-cP4LVZUk91w8kFtU5lOB275Kdp-JNPmFQc7taPqndiB9Zg3lpIkshxr8VxawgdZsQcneJtvhwrrhcHif-NtcVU/s1600/IMG_4128.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="277" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZRBef5aZ80io4l7DDox2Frq9OSEXhl0H0PeYX-e3fjYnol4f_FNBd-cP4LVZUk91w8kFtU5lOB275Kdp-JNPmFQc7taPqndiB9Zg3lpIkshxr8VxawgdZsQcneJtvhwrrhcHif-NtcVU/s400/IMG_4128.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<strong>Teriyaki sesame chicken with organic soba noodles.</strong> I made this especially for my bento and couldn't wait to eat it. These noodles are supposed to be very good for you - high in protein and low in fat, (unlike instant noodles, or ramen as I think you call it in the U.S.). Soba noodles are made with a combination of buckwheat flour and wheat flour - the buckwheat is what gives it the extra nutrition. I used these <a href="http://www.hakubaku.com/content/view/52/74/">Japanese organic soba noodles</a>, they have an interesting website about some of the history behind these noodles and the Japanese diet and way of life. (click on Lifestyle in the menu on the left). <br />
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As the Japanese ryori says "Let little seem like much, as long as it is fresh and beautiful". I think this very much applies to bento making as well!<br />
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Steamed salmon and red potatoes were combined to make salmon patties, adding some miso paste, garlic and ginger for flavour. I tried my hand at making an avocado fan, it doesn't look as perfect as some that I've seen (maybe it was too ripe), but I love avocados. It's a taste that's really grown on me. <br />
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Baby girl is still too young for bentos, but I gave her some cooked potato slices and broccoli spears to chew, or gum on, as she still only has 2 teeth. The avocado was a bit too slippery for her to manage on her own. She's only just turned 8 months, but I think she's doing well in her eating adventures so far.cherry bentohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03513340453440638869noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4884855561745083856.post-18034780049769462362010-09-05T13:10:00.002+12:002010-09-05T13:30:48.898+12:00Chilli black bean couscous bento's<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCXNFm81S3yX_a9IDZX1ozXymT2EM8ajrf536pnTTrbnqKbs7nB00N8fW9rNy1tKAL3WNA1uAYS7PrusFC0Y3pvSfSg5-4SOopXV1ftsgMV_FDu_8poPDD9rwu3Xm0wezZb-a2LFYk2tE/s1600/IMG_4098.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCXNFm81S3yX_a9IDZX1ozXymT2EM8ajrf536pnTTrbnqKbs7nB00N8fW9rNy1tKAL3WNA1uAYS7PrusFC0Y3pvSfSg5-4SOopXV1ftsgMV_FDu_8poPDD9rwu3Xm0wezZb-a2LFYk2tE/s400/IMG_4098.JPG" width="372" /></a></div><br />
Organic black beans in chilli sauce add a delicious hot spicyness to sweetcorn kernels and couscous - so quick and easy to make! Pumpkin with cinnamon/maple syrup so sweet, on a bed of curly lettuce and some rice molded into cute shapes. <br />
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Next day I revamped the couscous by adding garlic and chopped cherry tomatoes, complements the cumin & chilli spices, topped off with avocado angels and heart. Thick carrot slices - cooked with a butter & brown sugar glaze. Add a cutesy teddy bear egg and baby tomato garnish. Yummy!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiLqxSC3QzH3XpFP-2pPV5OHcDVrZzunQRxWvHqBaaOyx7IDAIPGnL8tDXbfUQ7PQn8HmsbSiLfVgHM9R7QHkJc5P-MUxCq3akJIRxghVPkBlKLYrkE25ulakZcSNqN90VKrBITemGZuo/s1600/IMG_4103.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="286" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiLqxSC3QzH3XpFP-2pPV5OHcDVrZzunQRxWvHqBaaOyx7IDAIPGnL8tDXbfUQ7PQn8HmsbSiLfVgHM9R7QHkJc5P-MUxCq3akJIRxghVPkBlKLYrkE25ulakZcSNqN90VKrBITemGZuo/s400/IMG_4103.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>cherry bentohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03513340453440638869noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4884855561745083856.post-47125316220215569932010-09-03T14:02:00.004+12:002010-09-03T14:27:54.883+12:00Two bento's in a dayAfter a few days of no bento (but <em>plenty</em> of bento viewing) my first thought on getting up was why not a breakfast bento?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp5FeGMR1MmsZtnZyDMQKuWF5OVWCOK1a3yenIqBY7f3wmU6v6kZxZVdBXEf-xgXy1l2fvw_W179jL2FHjP7KFNIlPRxN7ASE0vS8tRf2SrIKe4ZwPE9_8B3bTnS6osOkd7nnYlwRX-6k/s1600/IMG_4089.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="257" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp5FeGMR1MmsZtnZyDMQKuWF5OVWCOK1a3yenIqBY7f3wmU6v6kZxZVdBXEf-xgXy1l2fvw_W179jL2FHjP7KFNIlPRxN7ASE0vS8tRf2SrIKe4ZwPE9_8B3bTnS6osOkd7nnYlwRX-6k/s400/IMG_4089.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Three kinds of fruit - banana, kiwifruit and apple, some strawberry yoghurt, star cut outs of toast spread with yummy almond butter. It's strange, ever since I was little I have never liked peanut butter, but recently I developed a real liking for almond (and cashew nut) butter... As long as I spread it on something crunchy! <br />
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At lunch time my bento had a bunny shaped egg, cinnamon/maple syrup pumpkin pieces (goes together <em>oh so well</em>), rice shaped like a teddy bear (a little hard to see), sweetcorn kernels, a vine-ripened tomato, all on a bed of curly lettuce, and some green grapes.cherry bentohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03513340453440638869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4884855561745083856.post-54149162786129610742010-09-02T19:30:00.000+12:002010-09-02T19:30:49.679+12:00Pretty in pinkI instantly fell in love with these pretty pink bowls and adorable little bento box. My baby girl will love these, she's just a little too young to be having bento's just yet!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_ty8RuwPrFbJJTojrkDU6ACZbF6Bt-AuUC8Q7vZKmfHNN8UI1q8HHiJQEZv0WTCcAYinQ-krMYNQa52qpJFChiAHiZUqB_hhX-ITyWvZRy064ZveEV8L60_dRSIybA9dNrwgZKAJpJDY/s1600/IMG_4075.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="248" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_ty8RuwPrFbJJTojrkDU6ACZbF6Bt-AuUC8Q7vZKmfHNN8UI1q8HHiJQEZv0WTCcAYinQ-krMYNQa52qpJFChiAHiZUqB_hhX-ITyWvZRy064ZveEV8L60_dRSIybA9dNrwgZKAJpJDY/s400/IMG_4075.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>cherry bentohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03513340453440638869noreply@blogger.com0