More bentos!
(Rice cakes, Teriyaki chicken, Fish Tofu, Honey Tomatoes/Peas, Star-shaped Spam cutouts, Strawberry/Grapes)
Have been trying my hand at more bento making! It's a nice way to eat healthy and cute. And pretty economical too. Only troublesome bit is having to wake up extra early on a weekday to prepare it. At least its something to look forward to for lunch!
A bento 'picnic' I'd prepared for me and a friend. We found a lovely roof-top garden in the building and had our lunch which was nice for a change. My friend made egg pudding for dessert which was really yums!
Close up of our rice cakes which I made the night before and refrigerated them. I'd packed a set of 3 into individual boxes. If you're wondering what that silver triangular thing is, its cheese. We had cheese and crackers after that.
Unfortunately, the rice cakes were a little too hard as I didn't thaw them enough after taking them out from the fridge. I used seaweed cutouts for the eyes, mouth, and nose. I also inserted spam cut outs inbetween the rice cakes to keep them from sticking together.
My veggie and fruit box. I'd put them into individual cases but I guess they spilled over while carrying them around.
An earlier attempt at bento making. Before finding the punchers for the eyes/nose/mouth, I used raisins instead. I was very pleased to find the puncher at a steal for $5.90 only at an art and craft shop! Those I saw at the Sanrio shop were selling for a lot more. Putting on the face details is actually quite tedious and requires lots of patience! My mum helped me with them. :)
I usually try to vary the main meat dish a little. This one has meatballs and chye sim (preserved vegetables) from dinner the night before. I made extra and kept them separately for use for my bentos.
I had carrot cutouts which were really hard to make! I also strung tomatoes and quail eggs together, kebab style. For dessert, I had blueberries on a stick and konnyaku jelly. The jelly keeps very well and you don't have to worry about it melting. Presentation-wise, very pretty too!
One thing to bear in mind when making bentos is that the food you prepare has to keep well and hygienic. Especially if you're bringing them for work or school. For me, if I know the bentos will be out for a few hours before lunch, I usually pack the food which requires refrigeration in a separate container (e.g. rice cakes + cheese + tofu), and pop it into the fridge once I reach work. The rest like the teriyaki chicken can keep out quite well since the air-con in my office is pretty cold. If you've a microwave near you, its even better cos you can heat up the food and enjoy a warm meal!
Ok till next time!