Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Family of Bunnies Bento

I felt like having Grilled Cheese for lunch today... that must mean fall is coming soon because I hardly ever eat cheese except for in the fall. One of my favorite combinations is apples and cheese because it tastes sooo good. but I only ever crave it in the Autumn because the apples are in season and it makes me think of getting ready for school and my mom would make me 'Happle Bagel Sandwiches' which were Bagels with apple slices and a cheese slice over it, and toasted in the toaster oven. Soooo delicious it makes you Happy.... hence the name 'Happle'... Happy Apple!
Anyway, Since I wanted grilled cheese and I also wanted to use some of my awesome new bento goodies that my friend Gina brought home from Japan for me.... I decided to make a grilled cheese bento and make it bunny themed because I got cute little bunny food cutters.
 
This bento features a family of bunnies peaking out of a bush. The Mommy and Daddy Bunny are protecting their baby bunnies! I love that I got to use soooo many of my bento accessories old and new. I used my new 2 Tiered Bento Box and my new Yellow Bento Fork, and two of my Bunny Food Cutters, as well as my Leaf Food Pick, Bento Box Food Cup, and a Silicone Food Cup.
  • Apple Rabbit
  • Grilled Cheese Sandwich Bunny (Gluten Free Bread, Shredded Cheddar Cheese. American Cheese bunny face with toasted sesame eyes and ketchup features. I used a toothpick to paint the ketchup on the cheese)
  • Mixed Lettuce 'Bush'
  • Annie's Berry Gummy Bunnies (The babies)
  • Garden Fresh Tomato with Fresh Cracked Pepper
  • Grapes
  • Clementine
 Here is a close up of the bunny Family!

I hope you enjoyed!

Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Bento Goodies from Japan

My Friend Gina went to Japan for Vacation, and she brought me back lots of awesome Bento goodies! I'm so excited to share them with you! I literally jumped up and down and squealed with joy when she gave them to me last night, then Today I spent lots of time spreading them out and Taking pictures to post on this blog.
So are you ready? Are you? XD
Isn't this Awesome! I'm so excited just taking pictures and writing a blog about it all... Imagine what I'll be like when I get to make a bento with it all! lol
First up is the Adorable Bento Box. This Box is called 'Strawberry Candy' and has a beautiful pink and white checkered pattern with Pink Strawberries and Pink and Yellow Hearts and Flowers. In the bottom left corner of the cover, it says strawberry candy... but you can't see that very well in this picture.
Here is a view of the bento box out of the packaging.
This is a wonderful bento box with many features... Including:
  • 2 Tiers.
  • It's a nesting box, so the bottom tier fits into the top tier to make for easy storage when not in use.
  • Each tier comes with a tight fitting lid to keep the food from moving around or spilling out of the box.
  • The top lid has a compartment for a small pair of chopstick and small utensils.
  • The Top Tier is 300ml capacity while the Bottom Tier is 210ml capacity.
  • Both tiers are microwaveable without the lids on.
  • The Top and The Bottom Tiers can be used separately if you want a smaller lunch.
And it's super cute!
Next is the Matching 'Strawberry Candy' Sidecar bento. It is called a Fruit Box because it is a great size to hold a snack of fruit salad.
This bento is perfect for snack or side dishes that do not fit into the other bento box. It also has the same beautiful checkered and Strawberry pattern as the 2 tiered bento box, with an added lacy quality that makes it cute and feminine.

  • This box has a tight fitting lid with snaps on the side to keep it closed tightly.
  • The Lid makes this bento box liquid tight, so juicy fruit salad or side dishes that have a lot of liquid will not spill.
  • This box has a 320ml capacity.
  • The Box is Microwavable with the lid removed.
 And here are the super cute Chopsticks and case called 'Clapping March'.
This is such a cute case. It has a parade of cute animals on it including a
  • Orange Rabbit with a Picnic Basket
  • Green Bear with Pink Flowers
  • White Dog with a Stick
  • Brown Cat with two Apples
  • Yellow Pig with a Basket
The Chopstick case is pink with a clear cover and says 'Clapping March Picnic' on it. The Chopsticks are White with 'Clapping March' written on it in Pink. They are 16.5cm long and are not microwaveable or dishwasher safe.
Next are these really cool food cutters in a plastic case.
These cutters are not microwaveable safe, and are not recommended for hot foods. They are also not Microwaveable or dishwasher safe because the heat will deform them.

  • Three Bunny Food Cutters in Small, Medium, and Large
  • Three Bird Food Cutters in Small, Medium, and Large
  • The Bunnies are a Orange/Pink color (I guess that would making it Salmon color?)
  • The Birds are Blue
 And next are the adorable forks and spoon that are the perfect size for bento.
This Animal Fork and Spoon set is sooo cute and features a Sea Animal theme.
  • 8 pieces. 4 Forks and 4 Spoons
  • A Fork and Spoon set in Green with a Turtle
  • A Fork and Spoon set in Pink/Purple with an Octopus
  • A Fork and Spoon set in Yellow with a Fish
  • A Fork and Spoon set in Blue with a Penguin
These forks are not oven proof. Besides the cute animal pictures they also say 'Animal in the Sea' on each of them.
They are also the perfect size to fit under the cover of the two tiered bento box, and they also fit inside the sidecar bento box. Perfect!
Isn't this the best? I am so grateful to my friend Gina for bringing me soooo many awesome bento goodies! Thank you sooooo much Gina! And thank you all for reading my blog. Stay tuned to see these cute bento accessories being used soon!
I can't wait!












Monday, August 29, 2011

Apple Rabbits Bentos

We came home from our Vacation in Maine. Luckily the Hurricane wasn't bad at all. More like a rainy day with high winds. Anyway, I had some yummy apples left over from the food we brought to Maine, so I decided to make Apple Rabbits for our bentos. I figured I'd also show you how I made apple rabbits... since I do it a little differently then the recipes say.
Here is my fiance's Bento lunch.
  • Baby Carrots
  • Hazelnut Nut Thins
  • White Bean Hummus
  • Chicken Salad with celery
  • Chocolate/Coconut Fudge (We got this at my favorite gift shop in Maine. The Nestling Duck)
  • Apple Rabbits (Look below for a tutorial on how to make them)
  • Watermelon Flavor Saltwater Taffy (Also bought in Maine)
  • Arizona Half&Half light (Lemonade and Ice Tea)
 To make Apple Rabbits, first you need An Apple, A cutting Board, and A Knife.
Next Cut the Apple in Half
Slice the Apple Half into Large slices... like these, Make sure you cut the seeds/core off of the slices.
Next, Carefully cut a shallow V into the Apple flesh using your knife.
Turn the Apple skin side down and Carefully run your knife under the skin where you cut the V. Then Pull the bit int he middle out to end up with an Apple Rabbit. Repeat with other Apple slices.
I serve these bentos right away so I don't bother submerging the slices into Lemon Water to prevent browning. But if you aren't going to eat them right away I suggest getting a bowl of water with some lemon juice mixed in, and then submerge the slices in the water to help the apple not oxidize.
Here is my bento. I felt like having some soup, so I only made a little snack bento to go along with it.
  • Thai Kitchen Spring Onion Rice Noodle Soup
  • Arizona Half&Half
  • Apple Rabbits
  • Bing Cherries
  • Tiger Butter Fudge from Maine (Vanilla Fudge with Peanut Butter Layers, and Peanut Butter and Chocolate on top)
  • Vanilla Salt Water Taffy (Also from Maine)
I hope you all enjoy, and I hope my tutorial wasn't too confusing. I'll have to make a video one day to show how I make these Apple Rabbits. I think this way is a little easier then the ways I read about online or in my Manga Cook Book.





Friday, August 26, 2011

Sausage Omelet Bento

This is a remake of my earlier Deconstructed Sausage Omelet Bento that I wanted to try making look a little nicer.
Well I hope it worked
  • Homemade Home Fries (Potatoes, Italian Herbs, Black Pepper, Salt)
  • Breakfast Sausage, Spinach, Onion (Sauteed together with a little Black Pepper)
  • Egg Sheet (Egg Beaters cooked in a small pan then cut into strips)
  • Ketchup
Well, I think it looks a bit nicer then my other bento, but it's still not exactly what I want. I think I could make it look much better.
What do you think?

Thai Kitchen Soup Review

I used to bring this soup to high school for lunch because it is amazing and delicious. But since I didn't have time to make bentos I decided to do a review of this yummy soup.
I am reviewing the Spring Onion Rice Noodle Soup Bowl. This soup is Gluten Free and Vegan! meaning it's also Dairy Free and Egg Free!
The instructions are easy to follow, and you can make it in the microwave or with boiling water. I did the boiling water method because my fiance wanted some tea so I had water boiling anyway. It takes between 2-3 minutes for the microwave, and about 3-4 minutes with the boiling water + the time it takes to boil water.
The package has
  • Bowl with rice noodles
  • Package of dehydrated vegetables (mine are spring onions)
  • Package of Seasoning
  • and pictured below is the package of Chili oil
Chili oil is what gives the soup a pleasant spicy kick. You can use as little or as much of the oil as you like, but I added the whole package.
Open the bowl half way and empty the contents of the packages inside
Add as little or as much chili oil as you like, I like it spicy so I added the whole thing.
Fill to the lower ridge with boiling water. (It's so steamy!) Then cover back up and let it sit for 3-4 minutes. Make sure you let it sit long enough so the noodles get soft enough.
When it's ready, pull off the top and stir. It's soooo yummy, and has a very pleasant kick of spice. The only problem I had with the spice was it hit the back of my throat by accident and it burned a little, but it went away really quickly.
I love the flavor of this soup, and I will get it again and again. Such a wonderful soup to fill you up and make you nice and warm in the colder months.
Please get yourself a bowl, or one of Thai Kitchen's other products, they are super delicious and I highly reccomend them.
Check out their website: Thai Kitchen

*I am not getting payed for this review. I just really like Thai Kitchen products and have been eating them for many years. If Thai Kitchen would like to sponsor me I would be super happy and would be willing to write lots and lots of reviews for them!





Wednesday, August 24, 2011

French Toast Bento

I have been dieing for French Toast lately, and so I decided to make it for my bento today. I made it Gluten Free by using the UTI Gluten Free Bread.
I am not going to give you my secret delicious recipe for French Toast, because it's secret and I want it all to myself! HA HA HA HA!
Anyway, Unfortunately the gluten free bread did not work out as well as the Whole Wheat Bread I used to use. But it was still delicious, I will just have to use more spices next time to bring out their flavors.
  • Gluten Free French Toast
  • Blueberries
  • Powder Sugar
  • Butter (not pictured)
I like my french toast with lots of powder sugar and some butter. The butter and sugar mix to make a kind of paste that is delicious spread evenly over the toast. The blueberries added a fresh sweet/tart taste to the sweet and full flavor of the french toast.
I usually eat my french toast with sliced strawberries, but I didn't have any, but the blueberries are a wonderful addition and I am sure I'll use them again. YUM!

French Toast is great all by itself... Or you could top it with these other popular french toast condiments:
  • Maple Syrup
  • Butter
  • Honey
  • Jam/Jelly/Preserves
  • Powder Sugar
  • Fresh Fruit
  • Canned Fruit Pie Filling
  • Whipped Cream
  • Peanut Butter
  • Nutella
  • Chocolate Sauce/Chocolate Chips
  • Ricotta Cheese
  • Cream Cheese
  • Bacon/Sausage
  • Flavored Syrups
  • Apple Sauce
  • Walnuts/Pecans
  • Caramel
  • Cinnamon Sugar
The possibilities are endless. But for me I will stick to my delicious butter, powder sugar and some kind of fruit. I do not like Maple Syrup on my french toast or my pancakes. But I do like Maple Syrup. Isn't that weird?

Monday, August 22, 2011

Garden Bentos

Last night my fiance and I came home to a bad of garden vegetables on our doorstep. I love our neighbors. they have a huge garden in their back yard, and I love looking at it from the upstairs window because they have soooooo much in their garden, and I hope to one day have a garden like that.
Anyway, every year we get some Tomatoes from them, as well as a few other things. This time we got Tomatoes, a Red Onion, and Basil. YUM! I couldn't help myself, last night I ate a whole tomato by myself as a snack. It was just so delicious. garden fresh tomatoes are my favorite. and My fiance loves garden fresh tomatoes, but is not a big fan of tomatoes otherwise.
My Bento is first this time.... but only because I love the colors!
  • Garden Fresh Tomato sliced with black pepper and Garden fresh Basil on top
  • Annie's Gluten free Chocolate and Vanilla Bunny Cookies
  • Rainbow Trail Mix (Raw Almonds and Peanuts, Raisins, and Chocolate candy Pieces)
  • Grapes
  • 1/2 Corn on the Cob (also super fresh and sweet) I ate this with black pepper and a little butter spray.
Here is my fiance's bento. She wanted Hummus and crackers for lunch, so I made it a rounded and healthy bento by adding some fresh fruit and vegetables.
  • Broccoli
  • Celery (My fiance likes the lighter green celery that's usually in the middle of the bunch)
  • Baby Carrots
  • White Bean Hummus with Pinenuts and Garlic Tapanad
  • Garden Fresh Tomato with a small sprinkle of Salt
  • Celery Leaves for decoration (and because my fiance likes to eat them)
  • Hazelnut Nut Thins
  • Super Fresh and Juicy Plum
The weather here is gorgeous right now. It's sunny and very breezy making it feel a lot like Fall. My perfect weather. I love the wind, so breezy days always make me feel happy and full of life! I hope everyone else is having a great day!


Friday, August 19, 2011

Chocolate & Caramel Drizzled Apples

I had a craving for Caramel Apples, so I bought some Apples and some caramel as well as some mini chocolate chips and some trail mix, and my fiance and I had fun being silly making Caramel and Chocolate drizzled apple slices.
This is my Fiance's batch, because they came out better then mine...
Here is a bowl of Semi Sweet mini chocolate chips and some caramels...
Here I am unwrapping the caramels 
Yum! Melted caramel!
Next came the Apples! One for each of us
Yay! Slicing the Apples like a pro! lol
Melting the Chocolate Next!
 Here I am drizzling the caramel over my apples and trail mix.
Next I added the chocolate!
Yum. Caramel!
Here's my fiance's nicer looking apples drizzled in caramel
And then the chocolate.
YUM! lol