BENTO BUT NOT BROKEN
An adventure into the world of bento.

Sunday, February 3, 2008

A superbowl day of prepping bento box food


I found an idea on foodnetwork, "Envy of the workplace gingered vegetable stir-fry" so I made it up for work on Monday.
I forgot and took a picture before I added the napa cabbage on top. Basically we'll steam the vegs in the container [sliced shitake mushroom caps, julienned carrot, julienned daikon, broccoli flowerets, scallion, garlic and ginger] microwave the sauce [chicken broth, rice wine, sugar, cornstarch, salt] then mix together. Accompanying the veg stir fry will be hoisin turkey meatballs, a slice of ciabatta, lite baby bel cheese, and for my hubby, 2 mini pumpkin muffins and an apple (fill him for that 12 hour shift).

Since we are having a guest later in the week, my B-I-L, and activities on Tues night while watching the super Tues primary returns, I decided to cook ahead. The Tues. activity is a chocolate themed party (Valentines day is so close it seemed to be a good idea). We went to a similarly themed party a year ago, and it was all very sweet stuff. So, I found Tyler Florence's recipe for Beef Chili with Red Beans and Chocolate. I made it today and we ate 1/2 for our family superbowl party. On Tues, it will be turned into nacho dip for the party. There is chocolate in it, and at least it is not another dessert. Besides, it is a very good chili.

On Tuesday lunch will consist of Morroccan Carrot and Goat cheese sandwiches with Carrot and Daikon salad. (Foodnework)

Wed lunch: Roast beef and couscous rolls with sweet and sour carrots. [Foodnetwork and Martin Yan Quick and Easy.]

I made all the food that could be made ahead today, the tapenade for the sandwiches, the carrot and daikon salad and the sweet and sour carrots. That combined with making the chili took about 4 hours of time. Clean up was easy. My husband, who really appreciates the lunches, did the dishes!

Hopefully this week will go well, and my ideas, thanks to Food Network and Martin Yan, will turn out and be tasty.

This is a learning experience every day. It's a lot of work to move from TV dinners and canned soup to fresh food daily, but I think it's worth it. Better for us and it tastes better.

Looking forward to my B-I-L's visit, we will be taking him to Ciao Lavanderia an Italian restaurant in an old laundromat his first night in town, then after that he is my willing victim for home cooking.

From an "all chocolate" party on Super Tuesday for the primary returns to Ciao Lavanderia, such adventure and fun! Crossing my fingers for the outcome I dream of on Super Tuesday.

Now if only our Siamese cat Mr. S. would come home, I would feel relaxed enough to stop blogging and go to bed. Mr. S. has been missing for 4 days, his max. Usually he comes in after 3 days, particularly if I send our boxer out to look for him. Our dog, who is the cat's best friend, will look for him and usually brings him home. But, not this time. I think a neighbor is keeping him, as he has been coming home fatter and fatter. Last week he lost his collar, so evidently it was removed or because he became stuck it automatically loosened, as it was supposed to do. Dunno, but miss the stupid cat.

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