Just Bento

I haven’t had any time to make a Halloween themed bento this year, since I’m still working on the recipes for my book. But many talented bentoists in the Just Bento flickr pool have been busy making some really scary-cute bentos! It just goes to show that, contrary to some misplaced assumptions, it’s not just Japanese moms that can get very creative with bentos. Here are a few that caught my eye. continue reading...

Bento contents:

• 1 1/2 cups of white rice, 240 cal
• About 1/2 cup stewed hijiki seaweed and fried tofu, 50 cal
• Sautéed vegetables and Chinese broccoli, 60 cal
• Steamed carrots and sweet potato slices, 30 cal
• Red pepper stuffed with a beef and tofu mini burger, 100 cal
• Garnishes: nori, usuyaki tamago (thin omelette), pine nuts, raisin, etc.

Total calories (approx): 480 (how calories are calculated)

Time needed: Way too long! (About 2 hours)

Type: Japanese, kyaraben/charaban, special occasion, Homage to The Kitty continue reading...

Bento contents:

• Fried rice made with 2/3 cup brown rice and assorted chopped vegetables, 250 cal
• 1 1/2 wiener sausages, 200 cal
• Omelette made with 2 eggs, 230 cal
• Broccoli, 20 cal

Total calories (approx): 700 (how calories are calculated)

Time needed: 20-30 minutes

Type: Japanese, kyaraben-ish, special occasion bento! continue reading...