Summer is great, but sometimes lunchtime seems a little boring. Just as I get tired of the same old thing...so do my kids. So, I decided to try something a little different. I only wish I'd tried out and learned a few tips sooner. Time for a fun bento inspired meal...at home. So, I skipped the "box" and served it on square plates to give it a more "boxed" feel Can't forget the chopsticks, either! Of course, I packed the extras into a bento box for my husband to enjoy when he got home. Of course the easiest way to make lunch more fun is with some cookie-cutters. I love my old Pampered Chef Kids Cutters set. I've used it so many times! The flower is big enough that it doesn't waste much from a standard sandwich bread slice...so it's perfect for a cute sandwich minus the crust. Of course, I cut out the lunchmeat and cheese to match. I also use the Pampered Chef Creative Cutters Set, too....for things like meat/cheese for crackers or to cut shapes in slices of fruits/veggies. My kids do like hard-boiled eggs, so I thought I would make them a little more fun. So, I bought some egg molds. I boiled my eggs and following some recommendations, then I began getting the egg molds wet. As I peeled each of the warm eggs, I placed them each in a mold, locking the mold, and placing it directly in a bowl of ice water to cool. I left them in the ice-water for a bit to ensure they would hold their shape. I ordered a "sushezi" to make some sushi-type rolls and thought I'd give it a try. Worked great. Next time I will wrap my roll(s) in plastic wrap and refrigerate for a while before serving, though. I wasn't so sure about this... I have to say that it turned out better than I thought. Sliced into thin strips, pan-fried and placed in the center of the "sushi" roll. It was yum. Thanks to Costco, you can get small sheets of seaweed easily! It's a nice and salty snack even on its own, too. I just used these little sheets to wrap my "sushi" roll. They worked out pretty well. One of the tricks I learned was to make "sticky rice" you need to soak the short-grain rice for at least 30 minutes prior to turning on the rice cooker. I have to tell you that it really worked great. I used rice molds on some of the extra rice, too! They held up great! Mmm...I got to enjoy some sweet sticky rice later with sweetened coconut milk.
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About me...My name is Candie. Many labels describe me including wife, mom, friend, and independent consultant. However, alone, none of them capture all that I am or love and there are too many to list. Some of my likes include cooking, crafting, and creating. Reading, camping, and spending time with my family also bring me joy. I love my life... My LinksArchives
January 2017
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