Tips for Bento Newbies!

I've always been fascinated with bentos. Some of them are just too pretty to eat! After attending a bento-making workshop with Poppy, I got in touch with fellow mum blogger Evelyn who is an avid bento fan. Evelyn blogs at Dragonfly Bento Box and I'm so thrilled to have her here to share some tips with bento mama wannabes. Take it away, Evelyn! :)

Gingerbreadmum: Why did you start bento-ing? 

Evelyn: I started bento-ing mainly because I needed to prepare packed meals for my little one at his previous preschool which did not provide lunch. He has sinced changed schools, and every Monday is "Bring Your Own Snack" day where his kindergarten encourages caregivers to prepare the snack together with the child in any creative way and have them to talk about it. I'm glad I still have the opportunity to prepare his lunch at least once a week!  Other days, I attempt to make creative breakfast. :) I cannot cannot stop bento-ing!

Gingerbreadmum: Can you share some tips with newbie bento mums?

Evelyn: Keep it 1) simple 2) colourful 3) and don't overload your box!

Gingerbreadmum: What are the top 3 things a bento newbie should have, in terms of equipment?

Evelyn: There are 3 things that a bento mama should have: 

1.  Bento/lunch box - appropriate size for your child

2.  Foodpicks

3.  Dividers e.g. silicon cups, baran

Gingerbreadmum: Where can one find bento equipment, like those you have mentioned?

Evelyn: Daiso and Takashimaya do carry some items. You can also check out these blog shops:

http://jmamababy2.blogspot.sg/

http://bentoberries.blogspot.sg/

Gingerbreadmum: Can you share some easy recipes that bento newbies can put together quickly?

Evelyn: Try the Burger Bear!

Ingredients:

• Any cheese of your choice
• 1 multi-grain bun
• 1 slice of tomato
• Couple of Japanese cucumbers**
• 1 chicken patty (minced chicken breast, seasoned with pinch of salt and paripaka, 1 tsp instant oats.  Mix together to form patties and pan-fry till golden brown)
• 1 piece of nori
• Butter/Ketchup to spread on the bun

1.  Spread butter on buns. Sandwich the burger with Japanese cucumbers, tomato, cheese, chicken patty and spread some ketchup between.  

2.  Use 2 types of cheese - orange and yellow - to make the bear muzzle and eyes. Use a large round cookie cutter for the muzzle and smaller one for its eyes.

3.  Use a straw to press out the holes each side of muzzle

4.  Punch out the smiley face to make the nori smile.  Cut the shape of nose from nori.  Use a tweezer or toothpick to place it on the bear

5. Insert slice of Japanese cucumber on each side to form the ears.

6.  Wrap the burger with clingwrap.

** Note: I choose Japanese cucumbers because my son dislikes lettues.

Gingerbreadmum: Can bentos be done and kept overnight?

Evelyn: You can cut up washed vegetables and meat the night before to speed up the preparation in the morning. You can also freeze cooked food in advance or use even leftovers which only requires quick reheating the next day. I do not recommend a totally packed lunchbox to be kept overnight - the whole idea is to make it colourful, fresh and appealing. 

Gingerbreadmum: What tips do you have to keep the items from moving around?

Evelyn: Fill up the gaps using cherry tomatoes, florets of broccoli/cauliflowers etc. Also, use foodpicks - they can help to secure foods together!

*****

Here are some of Evelyn's favourite bentos:

Bento # 241 : Spinach and Carrot Toast for the Parrot, Skully

"This is my second attempt to make Skully.  For those who are familiar with Jake and the Never Land Pirates, Skully is a small green parrot wearing a black bandanna with white skulls on it. My first attempt using onigiri was not a pretty sight to look at.  But my boy did not mind (as always).  I promised him that I would do it again.  I did and loved the improved version!  I used spinach and carrot toast that I bought from Crystal Jade Bakery for its orange beak and green for its body."

Tools: Different sizes of round shaped cookie cutter, turnip shape cutter, fruit knife, satay stick, fruit picks

In the Box: Spinach and carrot toast spread with jam, egg sheets (yolk and whites separated), checkered apple, green kiwi, Japanese cucumber, tomatoes, cheese and seaweed

Bento # 237 : Multi-grain bear burger

"Does it make you smile and feel happy when you look at this bear?  It sure does have that effect on me :) The little ones would surely approve the minute you mention 'burger and fries' in their lunchbox.  Undeniably, burger and fries are some of my son's favourite food.  We rarely eat at fast-food outlets so he sometimes does crave for fast food I guess. This bear was made with a multi-grain bun from Four Leaves Bakery."

Tools: A straw, round cookie cutters, fruit knife, nori puncher

In the Box: Baked fries, homemade chicken patty (which I added some quick oats and seasonings), tomato and Japanese cucumbers, multi-grain bun, oranges, grapes, cheese and seaweed

Bento # 199 : Brown rice and 'Jake'

"I absolutely love making 'Jake' using just cheese, nori and carrot (for the headband).  Jake is the leading character who sports a red headband in the Jake and the Never Land Pirates show.  I spent a lot of time thinking about the image in my head, then cut out the seaweed and drew the outline of hisface (with a toothpick) on a piece of cheese!  This bento set was made from leftovers from the previous night's dinner."

Tools: Scissor, fruit picks

In the Box: Leftover brown rice, braised pork belly hidden underneath the brown rice, soya egg), cauliflowers, carrots, green peas, strawberry, green kiwi, cheese and seaweed

Bento # 279 : Soba noodles and Santa Claus

"I have been making snowman for the past two years during festive season like Christmas. Why?  Because it is easier handling just two riceballs.  I decided to challenge myself to create Santa Claus in 2012 with fishball (sliced) and imitation crabstick.  It was quite difficult to hold all pieces (the face, nose, bear) together with angel hair pasta though."

Tools: Flower shaped cutter, straw, nori puncher, star cutter, angel hair pasta

In the Box: Organic soba, broccoli pine tree, star carrot, fishballs, crabstick, seaweed

Bento # 219 : Baked salmon sushi

"This is my son's all-time favourite for his weekly lunch. I like it because it does not create a mess during lunch time and easy with tiny fingers.  And a healthier choice!"

Tools: Bamboo rolling mat, foodpicks

In the Box: Baked salmon, sushi rice, Japanese cucumber, tamagoyaki, edamame, strawberries and seaweed

Has this made you want to start bento-ing away? Thanks again, Evelyn, for sharing!


About Evelyn
Evelyn is a stay-at-home Mum to a five year old boy. She loves making bentos and it just makes her day when she hears her son saying that he likes the lunches she packs for him. Evelyn blogs at Dragonfly Bento Box - visit her site for more awesome bento creations!