In my house we call this Pasta Nirvana. It is a Nirvana veggie burger from Trader Joe's on a bed of angel hair.


I added some baby arugla with sunflower seeds and dried cranberries and ginger cats for lunch.

not your neighbor's ramen cole slaw

Today's lunch is a remake of a summertime favorite. I reworked the cole slaw that contains huge amounts of oil and refined sugar, which are no-no's in our house, to make a somewhat lighter version that my tastebuds and my concience can live with.

ramen cabbage salad
cantelope, grapes, and strawberry
mini bagel crisps

because sometimes the momma gets a bento too

gyoza
broccoli, tomatoes, and carrot flowers
sliced strawberries and grapes
roasted peanuts
chocolate kiss


I tried an experiment. I followed the stovetop prep directions for the gyoza that say to brown them in a little oil for a minute and then add 3 tbsp of water and cover and steam for 5 minutes. When I added the water I also added the broccoli and carrots. They came out with a bit of a roasty steamed effect that I am really pleased with.

tuesday's bentos

colby jack cheese
woven wheat crackers
dried cranberries
Just Veggies
orange sections and grapes



udon with spicy peanut sauce
orange sections
grapes
veggie chips
honey wheat bread sticks

grey Monday morning, bright bentos

First bento with grapes and a strawberry, cheese cubes and raisin trio mix, veggie chips and pretzel bites.


Second bento with spinach, tomatoes, cheddar cheese and a balsamic vinaigrette, veggie chips, grapes and a strawberry

Saturday night dinner

penne pasta with basil marinara sauce
garlic and herb focaccia

mexico-a-bento

colby jack and cheddar cheese quesadilla
spanish rice with broccoli

Thursday's bento box

What has quickly become a family favorite:
Tomato and basil rotelle tossed lightly with olive oil and balsamic vinegar
Soy meatballs and grape tomatoes.

bunnies love them too...

a nest of steamed carrots sprinkled with chives and gyoza

monday spring side dish

pasta with lemon, pepper, and peas

Saturday

It is so springtime sunshine here today and I loved the way this broccoli was so green it was almost glowing after I steamed it for a few minutes. It looks like the weather feels.

For the meal I made penne pasta and tossed with a little olive oil and pepper then added the broccoli and we ate it with a grilled hamburger topped with tomato and red onion. Yes, every once in a while I do actually eat meat.

it's Saturday...

..so it's shopping day. Two stores, Trader Joe's and Whole Foods.
I'm sharing my rice crush.

Friday's bento lunch

A play with proportions:
soy meatballs with baby spinach leaves in mini whole wheat pitas
vegetable chips
peanuts
a super gigantic strawberry

pasta prima...fakery

I had this idea in my head that I wanted to make pasta primavera. But I'm sure this is a crazy version of it, so I boldly made some pasta primafakery.
With a reprise of the rest of the carrot flower practices from this afternoon. And peas and fresh broccoli and scallions and tomatoes sauted lightly in oil.

cute bento today

My favorite green bento box with crabs on it.


Inside:
vegetable gyoza on spinach leaves
soy sauce in a hello kitty bottle
wild rice with a carrot flower
peanuts

there's no sunshine outside this morning...

...so I decided to make a little sunshine for breakfast.
whole grain blueberry waffles
sliced strawberry
orange wedges

I was really wishing that it was summer and I could go outside and pick a sprig of mint for garnish. soon.



with and without maple syrup.

we should have each other to dinner...

angel hair pasta tossed in olive oil with cracked pepper, oregano, and parmesan cheese
soy meatballs
tomatoes and steamed broccoli

April 12

kiwi, grapes, and strawberries
basmati and wild rice with vegetables
goldfish crackers
yellow pepper sticks

April 11

Dessert: banana and strawberry and kiwi slices wrapped in rice paper with a chocolate dipping sauce

April 11

Spinach and tomatoes with balsamic vinaigrette, udon with spicy peanut sauce, grapes and a strawberry, vegetable chips.

April 10

Today's bento box: basil parmesan rotelle, orange and grapes and raspberries, colby jack cheese and tomatoes, peanut butter on pumpernickle.