bento style lunches

[Zoe Girl]

It has been super warm this winter so my usual soups and other warm foods are not interesting at all. So I have been looking up bowls and bento style lunches recently, here is my week lunch plan (suggestions or sharing all welcome). I was thinking of Ultralite and his healthy plan, and these are healthy so we can brainstorm the best@

* udon noodle salad, baked spicy tofu, cutie orange
* brie, crackers, olives, and small salad of fancy greens
* turkey cheese roll-up, soft cheese on celery, cookie
* quinoa salad (like couscous), pita, hummus, olives, red pepper slices
* 'lunchable' cheese and crackers, popcorn, raw vegies,

[messengerhot]

I actually want to try bento. But the thing is, I am not really creative when it comes to food styling. I really do not know how it will look like.

[herbgeek]

Bento doesn't have to have cute faces on the rice balls. Just a mix of colors and textures is good. I often use various leftovers. I typically use a box with dividers, but silicone cupcake molds work too, to keep items separate.

[sylvia]

I tried researching bento and it looks time consuming. Japanese housewives are expected to pack their husbands/ childrens bento boxes with intricate dishes and all. You can look up on youtube and learn visually. Sometimes it can be simple just make it colorful= cut it up interestingly ,etc. In any case if you like being crafty with food,its an awesome concept!

[sylvia]

You can also learn about western version Bento not necessarilly do rice balls or sushi like meals too. There are egg dishes , noodles, hot dogs , cheese and mac etc.

[19Sandy]

I am surprised there isn't a reality/competition show about bento boxes. I can't imagine spending so much time making those but they are great looking.

[Float On]

I've watched a few videos on youtube about the pressure on Japanese moms to make the best bento lunch box. Crazy stuff.

[JaneV2.0]

Giving whole new meaning and an international flavor to the "mommy wars."

[Zoe Girl]

My fake-ish bento lunches are just a way to pack a lunch that does not need to be heated up, and is not just another regular salad. They may be attractive but not that pretty! Okay I did used to cut my kids sandwiches into dinosaur shapes with a cookie cutter.

If I was really rich when my kids were little I would have probably done this or hired someone to do it.