I {heart} Bento!

I was searching the internet today, looking for some fun cookie recipes to make for our camping trip this weekend and was using one of my favorite search methods: by google images. I love to see what I'm actually looking for when I'm searching. Well I did find a yummy recipe for homemade oreos, that I'm sure I could "healthify" a bit. I'll try to post how that turns out, but in the process I found some pictures of the cutest little container meals, better known as Bentos.

Traditionally, a bento is a Japanese, compact lunch packed in a little plastic box. It has now morphed into what could be considered meals as art. There are even how to's about planning the color layout, plus tools and do-dads (egg molds for shaping your hardboiled egg into cute shapes and faces, and cute decorative toothpicks and what-not.) to add to the whole thing. (With the bento, it seems, its all about creativity. Oh and another aspect that I've noticed that I like--a tendency toward healthy meals.)

I know some people might find these funny, rediculous, or a waste of time. But I happen to be one of those people who loves working with food. I really enjoy making our family's meals, and I don't mind going to extra trouble to do it for them. Its another way for me to show them I love them. Besides you know you love a meal that someone has put effort into, making it nice and tasty. And when it comes to food, presentation really can make or break how it is received.

It took some time to research actually what they were and the technique to them, but I have decided that I want some bento boxes to start making my very own bentos. I know Andrew would love them, and besides...they are just so cute. So, here's to hoping the budget will allow for a few bento supplies...

I can't wait to make Andrew one of these and see his face light up:
Curious about the art of bento making? Check out this article, or just google bento.