I just got this http://www.paperchase.co.uk/p/472804/lunch-box-enchantment-design.html box from Borders, and while it is quite large (almost 4 cups!) and I am one who definitely needs to use bento to control my diet, I actually am pleased with the size. I am a vegan-leaning vegetarian, for 2+ years now so it's not like I drastically changed my diet recently, and lately I simply can not reach a point of satiety. I pack a healthy amount (1 cup of brown rice, about 1/2 cup of beans or occasionally tofu, and some veggies and fruit) into a 2.5ish box I have, but this just isn't cutting it.

[I know I haven't been posting a lot of recipes lately...travelling around so much does that to you. So here's a great recipe for vegetarian/vegan kimchi from the forums, by Stephanie.! - maki]

I recently started making my own kimchi, because I was having trouble finding one that was fish free and without a ton of additives. It is super easy and easily customizable. I really like having something a little crunchy, spicy, and salty to go along with my lunch.

Recipe:

Here's my contribution to the May vegetarian theme: 3 medium sized ripened tomatoes with lots of flavour 1 garlic clove - grated with a wasabi grater, crushed or finely chopped 1 tablespoon of rinsed capers, chopped 8 olives, sliced (I use green, manzanilla olives) 1 finely sliced shallot (alternatively, use scallion/spring onion or a small piece of onion) 3 to 4 tablespoons of good olive oil salt enough dried pasta (your choice) for two portions

I have just posted my first jelly recipe over at my blog (www.smalerie.com), but since a few people over here seemed interested in it, I decided that I should probably post it over here too: Tea Jelly 500ml of water 4+ tea bags of your choice sugar to taste (I use raw cane sugar, but I’ve even used Splenda) 2 packets of agar powder

Before I scare anyone away from udon, the link Stephanie includes below shows a MUCH easier way to make them. single bento boy's link in this thread: http://www.justbento.com/forum/foodie-movies got me watching the movie "Udon" Within minutes I started drooling and hankering after the kind of udon I'd eaten in Takamatsu. I went back to a recipe I'd used before: http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/fg20010701rl.html - worth reading to get an idea on how the weather affects the amount of salt you should use

Ingredients: 1 can of kidney beans - rinsed 1 small onion - chopped 2 garlic cloves - chopped optional - chopped fresh chilis to taste 1 tablespoon of mild or hot chili powder salt olive oil (or use another vegetable oil such as canola/rapeseed if you prefer) Empty the drained and rinsed kidney beans into a bowl and mash them thoroughly with a fork, add some salt to taste.

I was given an outline of this recipe by an acquaintance who lived in Kyushu, South West Japan and it's now become a household staple. - Into a large saucepan add a mixture of vegetable oils (I suggest good quality olive oil, canola/rape seed oil, and sesame oil). A tablespoon or two in total should be enough. - Gently heat a sliced onion until soft.