tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60450789283140418052024-03-18T04:19:00.066-05:00BentoLunch.net - What's for Lunch at Our HouseOur bento lunch adventure--from kindergarten onwardsShannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06442430456657585722noreply@blogger.comBlogger1580125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6045078928314041805.post-47045352173708383622022-12-15T14:17:00.000-06:002022-12-29T12:43:18.012-06:00Make Easy Reindeer Cracker SnacksWe are completely in love with these little <b>reindeer cracker snacks</b> right now. They are super easy to make, even for little hands, very yummy, and quite adorable! Even better, you probably have the better part of what you need to make them right in your pantry!<br />
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<u>What You Need:</u><br />
<ul>
<li>Round crackers of some variety</li>
<li>Peanut buttter</li>
<li>Red chocolate candies (like M&Ms)</li>
<li>Mini pretzel twists</li>
<li>Mini chocolate chips</li>
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Altenatively, you could use a combo of red and brown chocolate candies for one Rudolph and a bunch of non red nosed reindeer, or larger chocolate chips for noses!<br />
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<u>How to Make Reindeer Cracker Snacks:</u><br />
<ul>
<li>Spread each cracker with some peanut butter. I did this part so it was smoothed over the whole cracker instead of blobs.</li>
<li>Press two pretzels twists into the peanut butter to make antlers.</li>
<li>Add one red candy for the nose and push into place.</li>
<li>Carefully add in two mini chocolate chips for the eyes and press those in place as well.</li>
<li>Take pictures because they are adorable and serve!</li>
</ul>
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Now don't you just feel the need to make a set of these too? <br />
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We've actually done it twice now and I'm thinking of doing a whole set of reindeer for a snack tray--one with a red nose, eight more with brown/black noses. I think I even have a sleigh cookie cutter to add in!<br />
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Want to pin this post for future reference? The graphic above has all the steps put together for you!Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06442430456657585722noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6045078928314041805.post-20533795202257536902022-12-01T15:30:00.000-06:002022-12-28T18:38:19.370-06:00Christmas Tree Veggie Snack PlateAnother simple Christmas veggie plate that you can remake in no time at all!<br />
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Just slice a cucumber into ten rounds and stack them in a pyramid shape. Halve cherry tomatoes and cut carrot stars with a small cutter (or just carrot coins if you don't have a star cutter) and decorate the tree. Add a cracker for the trunk and serve with ranch or other favorite dips!Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06442430456657585722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6045078928314041805.post-49317288886328071952022-11-15T15:30:00.000-06:002022-11-18T21:25:54.260-06:00Make Individual Turkey CruditesHappy Thanksgiving! <br />
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Looking for a <b>cute, quick Thanksgiving appetizer idea</b>? We just designed these turkey crudités at the last minute, since everyone was a wee bit hungry and the turkey needed to finish cooking!<br />
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<a name='more'></a>They're perfect for kids since everyone can have their own individual plate and dipping cup<br />
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What do you need? <br />
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Apple slices, preferably in a couple of colors, carrots sticks, individual peanut butter cups, and a few candy eye balls! <br />
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We also think celery would be cute too, but we didn't have any.<br />
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To assemble, just open the peanut butter cups and arrange carrots and apples around it to make feathers! <br />
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Add two candy eyeballs, a carrot triangle for a beak, and an apple sliver for a wattle, and you've got the perfect little appetizer! <br />
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And, as an extra bonus, no double dipping to worry about!<br />
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<img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="600" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pbKNZrnlk_Q/W9vJvaUQSpI/AAAAAAAAWYg/n0e7kERcqhg7cz1mfA815nbIXy4_K5D1ACLcBGAs/s1600/turkey-crudite-pin.jpg" data-pin-description="These individual turkey crudités are the perfect appetizer for kids for Thanksgiving dinner." /></div>
<br />Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06442430456657585722noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6045078928314041805.post-19713887259545961992022-11-01T10:00:00.000-05:002022-11-18T21:25:40.536-06:00How to Make a Thanksgiving Turkey Shaped SandwichOne of our pre-Thanksgiving week traditions is turkey-shaped sandwiches in our lunches and they are super easy to make!<br />
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Unlike many cute lunches, these sandwiches only require items you likely already have in your kitchen--a good sharp knife is key. The only potential shopping life item is sugar eyes and, since you can use those on so many cute food ideas, they are worth buying a package.<br />
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<a name='more'></a>First, make your sandwich. Use softer, fresh bread, and keep the fillings simple. It will help you when you start cutting. A cutting board is a better choice than the counter because you'll need to cut all the layers.<br />
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At the bottom of the bread, make a vertical cut about an inch and a half tall.<br />
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Leave a gap and make a second similar vertical cut. This will be the "neck".<br />
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Using your knife, make a circular shape for the turkey's head. It works best if your knife is pointed straight down. Don't worry about perfection, mine never look the same twice. Ideally, you're going for a peg person or mushroom shape.<br />
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Separate the head and neck from the rest of the sandwich and cut those pieces into one inch square chunks for feathers.<br />
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I usually get about seven pieces for the feathers. You can make more or less, but after trying a few varieties, this looks the best to us.<br />
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Once your turkey is cut, you'll just need to make a few decorative choices. <br />
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For the face, you'll need a piece of cheese to cut a small corner off for the beak.<br />
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Cut a small wavy piece from pepperoni or sausage for the waddle too.<br />
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Use dots of cream cheese to stick down the beak, waddle, and sugar eyes.<br />
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Reassemble your sandwich in your lunchbox and add your sides.<br />
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It's minimal work and sure to make your kids smile!Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06442430456657585722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6045078928314041805.post-74143379414189076922022-10-10T14:45:00.000-05:002022-10-12T15:22:20.664-05:00Five Easy Halloween Bentos You Can Make!We love Halloween at our house and Halloween foods just make it better!<br />
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We've had kind of a busy fall, so this week is going to be all about the Halloween bento lunches and other foods. I've already made my favorite pumpkin bread and fluffy pumpkin dip. There will also be mummy dogs at some point and, of course, mummy pizzas! As for lunches, here are <b>Five Favorite Easy Halloween Bentos You Can Still Make</b>! <br />
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<a name='more'></a>Check out your dollar shop for cupcake picks (mine has 30 picks and 30 cupcake wrappers for $1), along with inexpensive cookie cutters. I bought a large bag of plastic ones about 10 years ago that are still going strong for sandwich shapes. Several stores sell candy eyes as well, check out your local grocery in the cake decorating supplies, as well as Walmart or craft store. One pack will last a very long time.<br />
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This <a href="https://www.bentolunch.net/2016/10/a-mummy-bento-for-halloween.html" target="_blank">Mummy Bento Lunch</a> is one of my favorite Halloween designs. It doesn't require any special tools but a sharp knife to slice the cheese to make the wrappings. While I used candy eyes, you could make your own with cheese circles and a small bit of cucumber peel or similar dark veggie. Candy corn colored sprinkles add a cute topping to the yogurt too.<br />
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This <a href="https://www.bentolunch.net/2010/10/spooky-haunted-house-bento-for-ben.html" target="_blank">Spooky Haunted House Bento Lunch</a> is one of my older posts (2010, if you can believe that) and consistently comes up as a popular post when I look at statistics. I still love it. The haunted house was a cookie cutter and I just used a sharp knife to add the windows and door. An extra little bat cut out makes it more haunted and some carrot sticks made a rickety fence. The picks in the right compartments were from the dollar store a long time ago, but they still sell various ones!<br />
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This <a href="https://www.bentolunch.net/2014/10/how-to-make-easy-halloween-bento.html" target="_blank">Easy Halloween Bento Lunch</a> was a challenge lunch, to create a Halloween bento others could make! The pumpkin shaped sandwich is a cookie cutter, but you could easily cut a rough circle and stem with a knife. I added the little triangles to make the face. Food safe markers decorated the clementine and a bit of gauze turned our yogurt into a mummy! That trick works with juice boxes too.<br />
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I love making mummy dogs with the kids; it's one of our favorite Halloween traditions. This <a href="https://www.bentolunch.net/2016/10/mummy-dog-bento-snack.html" target="_blank">Mummy Dog Bento Lunch</a> uses some of our leftovers to take the mummy dog on the road. Just wrap sausage or hot dogs in crescent roll dough, then bake them! We add eyes with dots of ketchup or mustard at home, but eye picks worked a bit better for travel.<br />
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No Halloween is complete for us without at least one <a href="https://www.bentolunch.net/2016/10/first-halloween-bento-of-season.html" target="_blank">Zombie Themed Bento Lunch</a>! Oddly, I own two coffin shaped cookie cutters, but if you don't, the coffin on the right would be super simple to cut with just a knife and straight lines. We saved a fun hand zombie pick from cupcakes for one and used letter cutters to decorate the other. The orange has a Halloween cupcake ring on top and a couple of candy eyes decorate the cookies.<br />
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What are your favorite Halloween ideas for lunches?<br />
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<script src="//z-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/onejs?MarketPlace=US"></script>Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06442430456657585722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6045078928314041805.post-105645078942983722022-10-03T15:45:00.000-05:002022-10-12T15:36:44.699-05:0031 Days of Fun Halloween FoodHalloween is probably my favorite time of the year. I love decorating, I love fall, I love the temperatures, and I really love any and everything pumpkin. I also love making (and eating) awesome Halloween themed foods. <br />
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We do all sorts of fun foods at the house for Halloween and I couldn't resist the idea of a 31 Days of Fun Halloween Food. It's just one idea a day, so mix them up and see how many you can get!<br />
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<a name='more'></a><a href="http://www.bentolunch.net/2014/10/how-to-make-easy-halloween-bento.html" target="_blank">Make an Easy Halloween Bento Lunch</a> from right here on Bento Lunch<br />
<a href="https://www.danyabanya.com/fruit-mummies/" target="_blank">Make Fruit Mummies</a> from Danya Banya<br />
<a href="http://nerdymamma.com/zombie-brain-cookies/" target="_blank">Zombie Brain Cookies</a> from Nerdy Mamma<br />
<a href="http://www.thejoysofboys.com/mummy-pizza/" target="_blank">Mummy Pizza</a> from the Joy of Boys<br />
<a href="http://artscrackers.com/2014/09/16/fun-ways-to-serve-guacamole-dip-halloween/" target="_blank">Awesome Frankenstein Guacamole Dip</a> from Arts & Crackers<br />
<a href="http://kidzactivities.net/worms-in-dirt-dessert/" target="_blank">Worms in Dirt Dessert Cups</a> from Kidz Activities<br />
<a href="http://artsymomma.com/2015/09/ghoulicious-halloween-smoothie.html" target="_blank">Ghoulicious Halloween Smoothie</a> from Artsy Momma<br />
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<a href="http://onecreativemommy.com/halloween-shakes-sundaes-gluten-free-monday-5/" target="_blank">Spooky Shakes & Sundaes</a> from One Creative Mommy</div>
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<a href="http://www.bentolunch.net/2015/09/hotel-transylvania-2-bento-ideas.html" target="_blank">Simple Vampire & Mummy Sandwiches</a> from right here on Bento Lunch<br />
<a href="http://www.practicalmommy.com/brownie-bite-spider-treats/" target="_blank">Brownie Bite Spider Treats</a> from Practical Mommy<br />
<a href="http://www.sunshineandhurricanes.com/scarecrow-snack-mix/" target="_blank">Scarecrow Snack Mix</a> from Sunshine & Hurricanes<br />
<a href="http://www.foodiefun.net/bat-cheese-balls-oreo-monsters-halloween-snacks" target="_blank">Bat Cheese Balls</a> from Foodie Fun<br />
<a href="http://mommysbundle.com/frankensmoothie-a-kid-friendly-green-smoothie/" target="_blank">Green FrankenSmoothie</a> from Mommy's Bundle<br />
<a href="http://kidscraftroom.com/halloween-spider-pizza/" target="_blank">Spider Pizza</a> from Kids Craft Room</div>
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<a href="http://jdaniel4smom.com/2013/10/easy-halloween-snack-candy-corn-on.html" target="_blank">Candy Corn on Crackers</a> from JDaniel4's Mom<br />
<a href="http://www.sewkidding.com/blog/halloween-batty-hotdogs" target="_blank">Batty Halloween Hot Dogs</a> from Sew Kidding</div>
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<a href="http://growingupgreens.com/2016/10/little-frankies-class-snack/" target="_blank">Little Frankies Snack Cups</a> from Growing Up Greens<br />
<a href="http://lifeatthezoo.com/2013/10/basic-meringue-recipe-ghost-treats/" target="_blank">Meringue Ghosts</a> from Life at the Zoo<br />
<a href="http://www.bentolunch.net/2012/10/pumpkin-surprise-rice-krispy-treats.html" target="_blank">Pumpkin Surprise Rice Krispy Treats</a> from right here Bento Lunch<br />
<a href="http://www.momendeavors.com/2011/10/spider-cheeseball-other-spookactular-halloween-fun-foods-with-olives.html" target="_blank">Spider Cheeseball</a> from Mom Endeavors<br />
<a href="http://totallythebomb.com/spooky-eyeball-white-chocolate-pretzels-halloween-treat" target="_blank">Spooky Eyeball Pretzels</a> from Totally the Bomb</div>
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<a href="http://www.eatsamazing.co.uk/fun-food-for-kids/mummy-puff-pastry-pizza-pies-recipe" target="_blank">Mummy Puff Pastry Pizza Pies</a> from Eats Amazing<br />
<a href="http://foodlets.com/2013/10/22/spooky-spider-eggs/" target="_blank">Spider Deviled Eggs</a> from Foodlets<br />
<a href="http://spaceshipsandlaserbeams.com/blog/party-food/halloween-party-food-crescent-roll-witch-hats" target="_blank">Witch Hat Crescent Rolls</a> from Spaceships & Laserbeams</div>
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<a href="http://www.thejoysofboys.com/frankenstein-pancakes1/" target="_blank">Frankenstein Pancakes</a> from the Joy of Boys<br />
<a href="https://www.danyabanya.com/cheese-monsters/" target="_blank">Fun Lunchbox Cheese Monsters</a> from Danya Banya<br />
<a href="http://www.foodiefun.net/frankenstein-marshmallow-pops" target="_blank">Frankenstein Marshmallow Pops</a> from Foodie Fun<br />
<a href="http://artscrackers.com/2014/09/22/pumpkin-patch-pudding-fall-dirt-cups/" target="_blank">DIY Pumpkin Patch Pudding Cups</a> from Arts & Crackers<br />
<a href="http://nerdymamma.com/bloody-eyeball-dessert-vegan-panna-cotta-fancy-word-for-pudding-ey-stuff/" target="_blank">Bloody Eyeball Dessert</a> from Nerdy Mamma<br />
<a href="http://www.practicalmommy.com/ghost-donut-lollipops/" target="_blank">Ghost Donuts</a> from Practical Mommy<br />
<a href="http://www.bentolunch.net/2015/10/fluffy-pumpkin-dip-for-halloween.html" target="_blank">Fluffy Pumpkin Dip</a> from right here on Bento Lunch</div>
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What are your favorite Halloween food ideas? One not on this list for us is making Mummy Dogs on Halloween itself! Leave me a comment telling me your favorite.<br />
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Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06442430456657585722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6045078928314041805.post-61874153194656312912022-09-26T14:45:00.000-05:002022-10-12T15:02:06.007-05:00Leftovers to Lunches: Roast Chicken, 3 WaysThe other night, I made a whole chicken in the InstantPot for dinner. Seriously, this is my absolute new favorite kitchen appliance. It's fix it and forget it, but it doesn't take crockpot long to cook!<br />
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The chicken cooked in about 45 minutes, and was perfectly done. I sautéed it a little on the bottom first to get the crispy skin, then sealed it and made my sides. We also ended up with quite a bit of leftovers, so I knew it would be perfect for a leftovers to lunches post, especially in a variety of meals.<br />
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So, what are we doing with the leftover chicken? We came up with three great lunches ideas, plus a kettle of chicken soup with the remaining bits of chicken. (Hey, it's rainy in the PNW, soup is necessary!)<br />
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<a name='more'></a>In the first bento, I paired the leftover chicken with some leftover pasta. I knew we weren't going to finish a pot of pasta in advance, so we didn't mix in the sauce to make the leftovers more versatile.<br />
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I chopped a few pieces of the chicken into small chunks, and mixed it into some pasta. I mixed in chunks of mozzarella cheese, a few cherry tomatoes, banana pepper rings, and some seasoning, then tossed it with a few teaspoons of Italian salad dressing to make the pasta salad. You could easily swap in other veggies too--I thought black olives would look great, but we don't have any right now. To finish out the lunch, I added a sliced boiled eggs and some grapes.<br />
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In the second lunch, I made a kid favorite--chicken salad with crackers. I chopped some of the leftover chicken extra fine, using a mini-chopper. I mixed that with mayonnaise to make the chicken salad (no one in my house likes other "stuff" in their chicken salad). I put that in a large silicone cup and placed some crackers and some cheese triangles in the main compartment. To finish that lunch, I added sliced peaches and some granola-almond-cranberry bites.<br />
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In the third lunch, I went with a more traditional chicken sandwich. I love using sliced roast chicken on sandwiches. For this one, I used honey-wheat bread, old cheddar cheese, and mayonnaise. We don't like to add lettuce to sandwiches until closer to serving because it does make the sandwiches soggy. For sides, I added carrots, celery, and garlic hummus dip.<br />
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All lunches are packed in EasyLunchboxes. This way, they store nicely in the refrigerator and stack on top of each other.<br />
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<br />Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06442430456657585722noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6045078928314041805.post-32608497773171936382022-09-19T14:20:00.000-05:002022-09-19T15:59:53.053-05:00Lunchbox Tuna Puffs RecipeWe're always up for a new recipe challenge, this time it's from Bumble Bee Seafood to share a perfect lunchbox recipe. F&B love these tuna puffs, they are a lunchbox staple for my two.<br />
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I've mentioned them on the blog as far back as 2010, but I've never shared the recipe before. We're always making tweaks with it and I'm loving the current version. It's got tasty tuna, crunchy cheesy crackers, seasonings, and just yum!<br />
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<u>Lunchbox Tuna Puffs:</u></div>
2 eggs<br />
1/4 cup mayo<br />
2 tbsp butter (melted)<br />
1/2 tbsp lemon juice<br />
1 can of Bumble Bee Tuna, drained and broken up with a fork<br />
1 tsp garlic powder<br />
1 tsp onion powder<br />
1 cup of crumbled cheese cracker bits (not breadcrumbs, just crumbled by hand) ***<br />
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***You can change these out for other yummy crackers--butter, veggie, whole grain, etc.<br />
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Combine eggs, mayo, butter, lemon juice, onion and garlic powder and mix well.<br />
Add tuna, continue to mix.<br />
Add cracker crumbs and mix well till blended, but not to break up the crackers.<br />
Using a melon baller, scoop balls of batter into a oiled mini muffin pan.<br />
Bake at 375 degrees for 15 minutes, remove from oven, cool and serve!<br />
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What do we like with our tuna puffs?<br />
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This bento has 6 of the tuna puffs, along with ranch to dip them in and cucumber slices from our garden. <br />
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To the side, we added a few honey wheat pretzels and cantaloupe and raspberries for fruit. A nice yummy lunch all packed in our <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004S129AQ/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B004S129AQ&linkCode=as2&tag=thediaofanous-20&linkId=VMZN3LXO74G2IPK5" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Easy Lunchboxes</a> and ready to serve.<br />
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<i>Disclosure: This post is sponsored by BumbleBee Seafoods. I received product as well as compensation to purchase materials to create this recipe. All opinions are my own.</i>Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06442430456657585722noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6045078928314041805.post-50455178508993889352022-09-12T11:00:00.000-05:002022-09-14T12:20:58.170-05:0030 Lunch Ideas to Put in Your EasyLunchboxes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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What can you put in an Easy Lunchbox? Pretty much anything!<br />
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We typically use ours in the most standard way. The largest compartment holds the main course, the middle one holds fruit, the smallest holds a second fruit/veggie or a small treat. <br />
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Picking fruits and veggies are the easy part. Does your child like it? If yes, then cut it to fit in your box. Add a veggie or a sweet or a second fruit, and you've got two compartments full! But what about the main course? After awhile, everyone gets tired of eating the same things.<br />
Here are 30 ideas for foods you can put in your Easy Lunchboxes:<br />
<ol>
<li><a href="http://www.bentolunch.net/2015/01/its-koala-with-mustache-bento.html" target="_blank">Sandwiches</a>! So many <a href="http://www.bentolunch.net/2013/09/back-to-elephants-bento.html" target="_blank">possibilities</a> and <a href="http://www.bentolunch.net/2015/01/more-disney-fun-with-bento.html" target="_blank">ingredients</a> and <a href="http://www.bentolunch.net/2014/04/a-puppy-lunch-for-ben.html" target="_blank">shapes</a>!</li>
<li><a href="http://www.bentolunch.net/2013/04/week-2-of-make-ahead-bento-day-3.html" target="_blank">Bagels & cream cheese</a>, then add a boiled egg for extra protein</li>
<li><a href="http://www.bentolunch.net/2015/01/and-still-more-disney-bento-fun.html" target="_blank">Wraps</a> with all sorts of fillings</li>
<li><a href="http://www.bentolunch.net/2010/06/happy-little-salad-bento.html" target="_blank">Chef salad</a>, add your favorite meats, cheeses, and dressing in a side container</li>
<li><a href="http://www.bentolunch.net/2015/07/day-camp-lunches-pack-for-week-at-once.html" target="_blank">Cold pasta salad</a> with meat & veggies</li>
<li><a href="http://www.bentolunch.net/2013/09/make-your-own-chicken-salad-bento.html" target="_blank">Deconstructed tuna/chicken/egg salad</a> with crackers or <a href="http://www.bentolunch.net/2015/04/the-kids-have-been-asking-for-egg-salad.html" target="_blank">croissants</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.bentolunch.net/2015/06/camp-invention-day-2-bento.html" target="_blank">Meatballs with dipping sauce</a> - my two like BBQ the best</li>
<li><a href="http://www.bentolunch.net/2015/03/snacking-on-go-bento.html" target="_blank">Bistro boxes</a> with cheeses, hummus, pitas, veggies, and fruits</li>
<li><a href="http://www.bentolunch.net/2013/04/week-2-of-make-ahead-bento-day-2.html" target="_blank">Corndog muffins</a> or other stuffed muffins</li>
<li><a href="http://www.bentolunch.net/2014/06/summer-camp-day-2-bento.html" target="_blank">Make your own pizza</a> lunchable</li>
<li><a href="http://www.bentolunch.net/2015/04/leftovers-to-lunches-tacos-queso-bento.html" target="_blank">Leftover taquitos/rolled tacos</a> with queso or salsa</li>
<li><a href="http://www.bentolunch.net/2015/02/leftovers-to-lunches-bento-buffalo.html" target="_blank">Buffalo chicken bites</a> (or other flavors)</li>
<li><a href="http://www.bentolunch.net/2015/02/leftovers-to-lunches-fried-chicken-bento.html" target="_blank">Fried chicken drumsticks</a> - are we the only ones who love these cold?</li>
<li><a href="http://www.bentolunch.net/2015/05/mexican-style-bento-lunch.html" target="_blank">Beef burritos</a> or tacos with salsa</li>
<li><a href="http://www.bentolunch.net/2014/09/breakfast-for-lunch-bento.html" target="_blank">Breakfast for lunch</a> - croissants or crumpets with jam, fruits, an egg, etc</li>
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<li><a href="http://www.bentolunch.net/2014/09/leftovers-to-lunches-bento-burger-bites.html" target="_blank">Cheeseburger bites</a> or other mini appetizers</li>
<li><a href="http://www.bentolunch.net/2013/04/pack-ahead-bento-week-day-4.html" target="_blank">Homemade lunchables</a> - much more filling when you can add extra food</li>
<li><a href="http://www.bentolunch.net/2014/08/lunchbox-tuna-puffs-bumble-bee-recipe.html" target="_blank">Cheesy tuna puffs</a> (recipe included)</li>
<li><a href="http://www.bentolunch.net/2014/06/leftovers-to-lunches-bento-summer-camp.html" target="_blank">Chicken wings</a> with ranch to dip</li>
<li><a href="http://www.bentolunch.net/2013/11/the-last-of-halloween-bentos.html" target="_blank">Leftover pizza</a>, homemade or takeout</li>
<li><a href="http://www.bentolunch.net/2014/03/spaghetti-meatball-cupcakes-bento.html" target="_blank">Spaghetti & meatball cupcakes</a> with garlic bread</li>
<li><a href="http://www.bentolunch.net/2014/03/breakfast-for-lunch-bento.html" target="_blank">Pancake & sausage puffs</a>, don't forget the maple syrup!</li>
<li><a href="http://www.bentolunch.net/2013/02/waffle-wich-snowman-bento.html" target="_blank">Waffle-wiches</a>, cream cheese and jam between mini waffles, definitely a favorite</li>
<li><a href="http://www.bentolunch.net/2013/04/easter-leftovers-bento-ideas.html" target="_blank">Mini quiches</a>, ham & cheese are our top choice </li>
<li><a href="http://www.bentolunch.net/2013/11/leftover-lunch-bento.html" target="_blank">Popcorn shrimp</a> with pasta salad </li>
<li><a href="http://www.bentolunch.net/2011/02/sushi-birthday-bento-for-my-husband.html" target="_blank">Sushi</a>, just make sure you load up the ice packs to keep it cold</li>
<li><a href="http://www.bentolunch.net/2015/07/day-camp-lunches-pack-for-week-at-once_24.html" target="_blank">Waffle dippers or waffle sticks</a> - toast in the morning while you're eating breakfast</li>
<li><a href="http://www.bentolunch.net/2012/08/mini-corndog-bento-for-school.html" target="_blank">Mini corndogs</a>, add ketchup for a dip</li>
<li><a href="http://www.bentolunch.net/2012/07/quesadilla-bento-for-ben.html" target="_blank">Quesadillas</a>, we use leftovers to fill ours</li>
<li><a href="http://www.bentolunch.net/2014/09/mix-match-bento.html" target="_blank">Random leftovers</a> - yes, sometimes it happens!</li>
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Still want even more ideas? Use the <a href="http://www.bentolunch.net/search/label/easylunchboxes" target="_blank">EASYLUNCHBOXES tag on any of those posts</a> to view all our lunches packed in Easy Lunchboxes.</div>
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Convinced you now must have your very own set of EasyLunchboxes? Come shop with us on Amazon too!</div>
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<script src="//z-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/onejs?MarketPlace=US"></script>Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06442430456657585722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6045078928314041805.post-24922946534802110212022-09-05T10:00:00.000-05:002022-09-10T12:24:33.198-05:00How to Make a Cute & Easy Bento Lunch With back-to-school approaching, it seems like there are a plethora of "how to make lunch" articles.<br />
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Some are fancy and require tools or time that are in short supply. Others are rather sarcastic, and make fun of those who choose to spend their time having a little fun in the kitchen. There is definitely a happy medium, and with a few simple tricks and maybe 2-3 extra minutes, you can make your own cute lunches, just like this one!<br />
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<a name='more'></a>What's in this lunch? A turkey and cheese sandwich on honey wheat bread, a granola bar, a clementine orange, and some blackberries. Pretty simple, and probably similar to what you'd choose to send.<br />
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But, rather than a few baggies and a brown paper bag, I opted for a reusable box (EasyLunchboxes are my go-to), and spend a minute or two jazzing it up.<br />
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<u>What You Need:</u><br />
Reusable lunch boxes<br />
Silicone or paper muffin liners (I personally like silicone)<br />
Some kind of sandwich cutter or cookie cutter<br />
Food picks<br />
Lunchbox notes<br />
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While I have a lot of specific items I love and have collected over the years, check out places like your local Dollar Tree, Walmart, and Target for options. Our favorite dinosaur sandwich cutter is from the Dollar Tree and I found lunchbox notes in the Target Dollar Spot a few years ago! Holidays are a great time to find cute cookie cutters, muffin wrappers, and picks, all for lower prices.<br />
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Ready to fancy up your lunch?<br />
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After you make your sandwich, grab one of the sandwich sized cookie cutters! <br />
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Press out your sandwich, push it gently out of the cutter, and pop it back together. If you're me, you will have a border collie waiting patiently for the crust. I am convinced the dog knows what a sandwich cutter "sounds" like. Give the crust to the border collie and put your sandwich in your reusable box.<br />
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I also put my granola bar by my sandwich, since I don't like starches near fruits (try this link for <a href="http://www.bentolunch.net/2010/06/bento-desserts-part-4-homemade-granola.html" target="_blank">my favorite granola bar recipe</a>, it's really good).<br />
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What's next? The fruit or veggies you were going to send in the first place.<br />
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I always peel the oranges at home. I got in the habit of doing that when the kids were younger and they still prefer it, since I use a knife to get any excess strings. So place your orange in a muffin liner and some blackberries in another, and put a cute food pick in each. All done and you were probably going to do most of those steps anyhow!<br />
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Don't forget to swap my choice of fruits for your kids' favorites.<br />
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So lunch is made, and the cute little touches took an extra minute or two. Seal up your box, add a cute lunch note for a bit more fun, and pack it up. Don't forget to add a water bottle and any extra snacks your kids enjoy. Mine almost always take yogurt tubes.<br />
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Will you be making fun lunches this year? Are they a regular thing or a treat for your kids? What's your favorite way to brighten up their school days?<br />
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<script src="//z-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/onejs?MarketPlace=US"></script>Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06442430456657585722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6045078928314041805.post-33088310873115703852022-08-29T10:00:00.000-05:002022-08-30T11:37:00.044-05:00 "Savebucks" Cheese & Fruit Bistro Box {Inspired by Starbucks}Since we have been enjoying our <a href="https://www.bentolunch.net/2016/07/inspired-by-starbucks-protein-box.html" target="_blank">"Savebucks" Protein Bistro Box</a>, I knew I had to remake some of the other bistro boxes. Next up? The cheese and fruit box!<br />
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<a name='more'></a>In the store bought box, there are three types of cheese (brie, cheddar, gouda), some crackers, dried fruit and nuts, and some green apple slices (less than half an apple, maybe a third at best). As with our first example, it retails for $5 and has approximately 470 calories. And, while I don't have the exact breakdown of the each individual piece, the entire BOX weighs in at 5.3 ounces, so you know it's not a large amount of food.<br />
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We evaluated what was in the box and decided to substitute the apple slices for other fruits. Apple slices need to be treated so they don't brown and we wanted our box to keep in the fridge. Alternatively, you could just pack a green apple in your bag and remove the fruit from the box.<br />
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We decided to keep the three types of cheese, but swapped gouda for our new favorite petite breakfast cheese. While I was at IFBC (International Food Bloggers Conference), I got to meet the reps from <a href="http://www.marinfrenchcheese.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Marin French Cheeses</a>. After frequenting their booth, and eating a lot of cheese because cheese is awesome, I did get a chance to talk to them about working together for a blog post, because I had this post in mind. Who wouldn't want a box full of fresh cheeses in amazing flavors?<br />
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Once I got home, they sent me a box with all of my favorite cheeses from the conference plus some new flavors I hadn't tried yet. The Petite Breakfast is my personal favorite, but we've enjoyed sampling the different Bries, including truffle and jalapeño, and the Camembert.<br />
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I also met up with the reps from <a href="http://almonds.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">California Almonds</a> while at IFBC. I already have a bit of a thing for almonds, and their table had the most amazing chocolate covered almonds and cinnamon candied almonds. I even went on a tour where I got to eat almonds right off the trees! They were the obvious choice for a nut option in this box.<br />
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So, what's in our Cheese & Fruit Bistro Box?<br />
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1 ounce Marin French Cheese Dark Moon Brie - 110 calories<br />
0.8 ounce Marin French Cheese Petite Breakfast Cheese - 88 calories<br />
0.8 ounce Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese - 80 calories<br />
8 flatbread crisps - 70 calories<br />
1/8 cup dried cranberries - 48 calories<br />
10 California Almonds - 58 calories<br />
1/2 cup blueberries - 42 calories *OR* 1 clementine - 35 calories<br />
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Total box - 496 calories (or 489 calories if you sub in the clementine)<br />
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Since I did get some of my cheeses sent to me, I'm having to do a lot more estimating for the cost. I do know that the brie and breakfast cheese retail for about $3.75 each, and I used about a quarter of the disk of each. Let's just call that $1.85 for what essentially amounts to half a disk.<br />
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$1.85 Brie & Breakfast Cheeses<br />
$0.25 Cheddar Cheese<br />
$0.20 crackers/crisps
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$0.10 dried cranberries<br />
$0.25 almonds<br />
$0.40 blueberries (or clementine, since I pick my fruit based on sales!)<br />
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$3.05 for the whole box, maybe less if your grocery prices are lower than mine in the PNW!<br />
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Since I used approximately a quarter of the cheese rounds, let's say you made 4 boxes at a cost of $12.20. That's not even 2.5 of the store-bought ones! And you may as well make four since you have lots of yummy cheese.<br />
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Once again, we packed our box in one of our <a href="https://www.amazon.com/EasyLunchboxes-3-Compartment-Bento-Containers-Classic/dp/B004S129AQ/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&qid=1469836773&sr=8-1&keywords=easylunchboxes&linkCode=ll1&tag=thediaofanous-20&linkId=39ac80e3ae176d842300822599f51956" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">EasyLunchboxes</a> , so there's no additional packaging costs. And since they come in a set of four, you may as well pack all four of your cheese boxes.<br />
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Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06442430456657585722noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6045078928314041805.post-23257146598550414332022-08-22T15:08:00.000-05:002022-08-22T19:43:34.428-05:00Keeping It Simple Bento Lunch FormulaI was making Faith's lunch the other day when I realized that the picture pretty much showed our standard lunch formula for school.<br />
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While I love making creative lunches, they are usually filled with items I know the kids will eat, since lunch away from home isn't always the best time to experiment. We try new items ahead of time to make sure they will be eaten if I sent them in to school.<br />
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What is our lunch formula?<br />
Main dish: Sandwich, savory muffins or quiches, leftovers, pasta salads, boiled eggs & bagels, etc<br />
Fruit: Melons, strawberries, grapes, raspberries, apples, my two love all fruits<br />
Veggie: Carrots & cucumber are most popular, sometimes we sub in fruit #2 and do more veggies for dinner<br />
Treat: Either a salty or sweet treat--pretzels, granola bar, mini muffin, cookie<br />
Dairy: Yogurt, cheese stick, something for a snack that's an extra bit of protein<br />
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Above, Faith has a ham and cheese sandwich on multigrain bread rounds, topped with cheddar koala bear from our Cutezcute cutter. She has grapes, carrots and a breakfast bar in the side dishes, and I added a yogurt tube to her lunchbox. Yummy combo and happy kid!<br />
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What is your lunchbox formula?
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<script src="//z-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/onejs?MarketPlace=US"></script>Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06442430456657585722noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6045078928314041805.post-14667813273069940042022-08-15T15:30:00.000-05:002022-08-22T19:43:02.039-05:00DIY Homemade Lunchable Ideas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MBPDaRhraOc/VeVLTX4hvrI/AAAAAAAARfE/IcuRyvMiOsk/s1600/make%2Byour%2Bown%2Bables.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="561" nopin="nopin" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MBPDaRhraOc/VeVLTX4hvrI/AAAAAAAARfE/IcuRyvMiOsk/s1600/make%2Byour%2Bown%2Bables.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Like most kids, my two love the concept of the -able lunches. I've bought them occasionally over the years, but they are typically not enough food and the kids like the concept over the taste. It's much easier to make my own, tailored to their tastes and adding in enough extra food to keep them sated.<br />
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Cheese & Cracker Stackers (the traditional style box) -<br />
Cheese, crackers, & deli meat for sure!<br />
I also add things like fruits and veggies, boiled eggs, a small treat, etc.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_zdUP4RE0bM/Vdl61bdSn6I/AAAAAAAARaQ/CYsO_reijP0/s1600/pizzabento.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" nopin="nopin" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_zdUP4RE0bM/Vdl61bdSn6I/AAAAAAAARaQ/CYsO_reijP0/s1600/pizzabento.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.bentolunch.net/2014/06/summer-camp-day-2-bento.html" target="_blank">Make Your Own Pizzas</a> (definitely a kid favorite, and more filling than the store version) -<br />
Bread thins make a great crust, plus sauce, pepperonis, shredded mozzarella, and other toppings.<br />
Fruits and veggies round out this meal, or a treat like a granola bar or cookie is fun!<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VOVRJJgH7Tg/Vdl60mlnfxI/AAAAAAAARaA/1EW8CvtyR1s/s1600/healthy-snack-on-the-go.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="452" nopin="nopin" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VOVRJJgH7Tg/Vdl60mlnfxI/AAAAAAAARaA/1EW8CvtyR1s/s1600/healthy-snack-on-the-go.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.bentolunch.net/2015/03/snacking-on-go-bento.html" target="_blank">Bistro Boxes/Snack Boxes</a> (similar to one popular coffee shop's offerings) -<br />
Chunks of yummy cheeses, pitas, hummus, veggies, and fruits. <br />
My kids love hummus with their veggies, so carrots and cucumbers are a typical pick.<br />
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<a href="http://www.bentolunch.net/2013/09/make-your-own-chicken-salad-bento.html" target="_blank">Chicken Salad & Crackers</a> (similar to those little tuna & cracker packs) -<br />
I premake my chicken or tuna salads at home, but keep it separated from the crackers in a large silicone cup. Add fruits, yogurt, and don't forget a spoon!<br />
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What are your kids' favorite pre-made meals? Are you going to try making them this year?<br />
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<br />Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06442430456657585722noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6045078928314041805.post-84307420575779132752022-08-08T13:00:00.000-05:002022-08-10T12:30:45.411-05:00"Savebucks" Protein Bistro Box {Inspired by Starbucks}Trying something a little different here!<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HapGFx-ZJAk/V5vqezjRIFI/AAAAAAAATec/FnbXZXc087I2ylu7q_pDs8ObyctSbT1OgCLcB/s1600/makethisnotthat2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" nopin="nopin" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HapGFx-ZJAk/V5vqezjRIFI/AAAAAAAATec/FnbXZXc087I2ylu7q_pDs8ObyctSbT1OgCLcB/s1600/makethisnotthat2.jpg" width="504" /></a></div>
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A rather popular coffee chain (Starbucks) offers a "protein snack box" for sale. It comes with a cheddar cheese, a boiled egg, multigrain bread, peanut butter honey spread, and fruit (usually apple slices and grapes). It contains about 370 calories, 13 grams of protein, and 19 grams of fat, and retails for approximately $5.<br />
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Now, at least at our house, a $5 price tag on even a semi-frequent basis is just not happening. We also aren't sold that 13 grams of protein makes a meal a protein box either. So we came up with plan B, can we make our own?<br />
<a name='more'></a>We played around with food and ratios (and what was in the fridge on that given day) and came up with our own version of a protein box, packed in one of our <a href="https://www.amazon.com/EasyLunchboxes-3-Compartment-Bento-Containers-Classic/dp/B004S129AQ/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&qid=1469836773&sr=8-1&keywords=easylunchboxes&linkCode=ll1&tag=thediaofanous-20&linkId=39ac80e3ae176d842300822599f51956" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">EasyLunchboxes</a> to make it easy to grab and go.<br />
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What's in our protein box?<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QQNKGQc8BzI/V5vqe5jcFcI/AAAAAAAATeg/YXSVVwov29UbZEu9MCPw_Bn3FwZEEBiYQCLcB/s1600/proteinbox.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" nopin="nopin" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QQNKGQc8BzI/V5vqe5jcFcI/AAAAAAAATeg/YXSVVwov29UbZEu9MCPw_Bn3FwZEEBiYQCLcB/s1600/proteinbox.jpg" width="550" /></a></div>
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1 boiled egg - 70 calories, 6 grams protein, 5 grams fat<br />
1 marble cheese stick - 60 calories, 5 grams protein, 4.5 grams fat<br />
6 slices black pepper deli turkey - 50 calories, 9 grams protein, 1 gram fat<br />
8 flatbread crisps - 70 calories, 1 gram protein, 2 grams fat<br />
1/2 cup 2% cottage cheese - 90 calories, 11 protein, 2 grams fat<br />
1/2 cup pears - 60 calories, 0 protein, 0 fat<br />
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One snack box - 400 calories, 32 grams of protein, 14.5 grams fat<br />
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You can easily adjust your fruit choices too. Rather than 60 calories of pears (about a 1/2 cup), you could choose, which would make the calories in line with the other box:<br />
1/2 cup grapes (30)<br />
1/2 cup blueberries (42)<br />
1/2 cup strawberries (27)<br />
1/2 cup watermelon (23)<br />
1/2 cup apple slices (28)<br />
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Hate cottage cheese? My husband does too, even though I love it. You can also swap that for Greek yogurt (I chose Chobani since that's what we had handy) at 100 calories, with 10 grams of protein and 1.5 grams of fat.<br />
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Bearing in mind we live in the greater Seattle area, and I try to shop sales as much as I can, I tried to estimate the prices:<br />
$0.10 egg (I stock up when eggs are cheap, we go through at least a dozen boiled and a dozen in other things per week)<br />
$.20 cheese stick<br />
$.50 turkey slices<br />
$.20 crackers (also something I only buy on sale)<br />
$.40 cottage cheese<br />
$.30 pears<br />
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$1.70 total cost of the meal box, so that's nearly three for the price of one at the coffee shop!</div>
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And, since I use reusable containers, there's zero packaging cost involved. We highly recommend <a href="https://www.amazon.com/EasyLunchboxes-3-Compartment-Bento-Containers-Classic/dp/B004S129AQ/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&qid=1469836773&sr=8-1&keywords=easylunchboxes&linkCode=ll1&tag=thediaofanous-20&linkId=39ac80e3ae176d842300822599f51956" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">EasyLunchboxes</a> for this since they held all our food with room to spare. Since they come in a set of four, we can prepack several at a time, and just add the crisps at the last minute.<br />
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<br />Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06442430456657585722noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6045078928314041805.post-28876448548234020122022-08-01T14:30:00.000-05:002022-08-10T12:32:17.227-05:00Make a Fruit-opus (Fruit Octopus)This was totally not planned. At all. I was actually shooting FB Live for a different site and talking about how to make a simple orange flower. I had an orange peeled in case, but I also peeled one on camera and something amazing happened. It peeled perfectly, without a mess! But when I realized *how* it peeled, I set it aside and used a different one in my live video because I had a brilliant idea!<br />
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Meet my Fruitopus or this one specifically, my Nonopus!<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X_4WeARNPXs/V4flbAXepCI/AAAAAAAATZw/Fla8GLpMucEqsUyKw3RWxSF5jiiaoo0dgCLcB/s1600/fruitopus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X_4WeARNPXs/V4flbAXepCI/AAAAAAAATZw/Fla8GLpMucEqsUyKw3RWxSF5jiiaoo0dgCLcB/s1600/fruitopus.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a name='more'></a>He kind of gave me the Finding Dory, Hank the Septopus vibe, sine he is also not a perfect octopus. He would have been a Decapus, but one of the orange slices came apart, so we have decided he must be a Nonopus. I took a LOT of pictures of him because I'm not sure I'll ever be able to perfectly replicate him. I could lay out the orange pieces, but the fact they fell apart exactly as needed? That may never happen again.<br />
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Want to make one? You'll need:<br />
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1 cutie mini orange<br />
1 strawberry, preferable a more squarish one<br />
2 candy eyes<br />
A dab of cream cheese or Nutella or melted chocolate (to stick the eyes on).<br />
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Peel your orange carefully. Try to keep it attached at one of the ends if possible. Spread it out into a flower shape on a plate.<br />
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Hull your strawberry. Flip it stem side down and carefully use dots of cream cheese (or another sticky substance) to "glue" the eyes in place.<br />
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Place your strawberry on your orange flower and you've got your octopus! Or your nonopus! Or whatever other amount of legs your sea critter has.<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LOW9PKCZgjw/V4foM_2hbEI/AAAAAAAATaE/nyHkwejU9eE-pgaB103lOjoA_GaMUM8xQCLcB/s1600/IMG_4357.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" nopin="nopin" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LOW9PKCZgjw/V4foM_2hbEI/AAAAAAAATaE/nyHkwejU9eE-pgaB103lOjoA_GaMUM8xQCLcB/s1600/IMG_4357.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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And if you know the trick for how to actually make your orange peel like this? Tell me please!Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06442430456657585722noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6045078928314041805.post-55324431244730356212022-07-15T14:00:00.000-05:002022-07-16T12:47:32.643-05:00Sweet & Simple Snack BentoWednesdays are going to be our crazy day this year. It never fails--even with only a few activities, they all end up on the same day. The girl has yoga from 4-5pm, both kids have cross-country from 5:15-6:15pm, and the boy has Scouts from 7-8:30pm. <br />
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But, on the good side? I will have an excuse to play with some snack bentos! Smaller than a total meal, easy to eat on the go, and, if you have preschoolers, these might work for your lunches too. </div>
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</div><div>In this snack bento, I made bite sized sandwiches with ham and cheese. Because regular sandwiches are a little bit boring, I cut mine into flower shapes and added flower picks. The extra meat and cheese was thrown into a chef salad for later and the border collie was more than happy to nosh on a few bread crusts. </div>
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On the bottom, I cut some grapes in half since I apparently bought jumbo grapes and added a cute daisy pick. I also added a breakfast bar, since I had some leftover from our vacation. I cut it to fit in the box and added one more pick because it looked plain without. The box is an old Paperchase one that has been a favorite of mine for years. The lid actually has little space critters on it, but the inside layout is ideal for snacks.</div>
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Again, this is a snack for in the car, between activities for my two. I fully expect they will be starving for dinner by the time all is said and done!</div>
Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06442430456657585722noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6045078928314041805.post-58958911613853330352022-07-01T10:30:00.000-05:002022-07-16T12:48:53.914-05:00Red, White, & Blue Crispy Rice Pops #CelebrateWithM<div style="text-align: center;">
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<i>All opinions are mine alone. #CelebrateWithM #CollectiveBias</i></div>
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For those of you who've been following here for a long time, you probably already know we're a military family. We remember those we've lost on Memorial Day and give thanks for our active duty and veterans on Armed Forces Day and Veteran's Day. There's family history of military service on both sides, but our favorite soldier is the one who lives in our house.<br />
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<div><br /></div>Did you know that M&M's® were originally created for soldiers? The candy coated shell prevented the chocolate from melting when carried by troops. They're still a perennial soldier favorite--my husband loves the mini bags to tuck in his uniform pockets for snacks on the go and I always made sure to send them when he was deployed since they held up in the mail!<br />
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Currently, he's been home with us for over a year. Since I'm not currently sending deployment care packages, I've been enjoying some baking for the troops and sending food into his work. Over the years, I've learned that homemade baked goods make soldiers really happy and I always enjoy a chance to bake for a willing audience. It gives me taste testers whenever I need them and you can always find someone who will make the sacrifice and taste the new cookies or cakes!<br />
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I also love baking with M&M's®, since they provide the perfect chocolate bite in recipes and they are released in holiday colors. This year, we're using M&M's® Red, White, & Blue Milk Chocolate to make the most adorable Crispy Rice Pops for the patriotic holidays. Every time you purchase a bag of M&M's® Red, White, & Blue Milk Chocolate (or M&M's® Red, White, & Blue Peanut or Skittles® Red, White, & Blue too) at <a href="http://cbi.as/417zo" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Walmart</a>, you are participating in the "1 For You, 1 For the Troops" campaign! MARS/Wrigley is donating M&M's® to the troops for every bag purchased. It's an awesome way to say thank you. Through July, select stores will even have more information about the program.<br />
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So once you buy your M&M's®, you should really do something fun with them! We recommend these crispy rice pops in fun patriotic colors! They look so cute on the table and they are perfectly portioned for a snack.<br />
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<u>Ingredients:</u><br />
6 cups crispy rice cereal<br />
1 bag marshmallows (about 40 regular size marshmallows)<br />
4 tsp butter<br />
M&M's® Red, White, & Blue Milk Chocolate and/or Skittles® Red, White, & Blue (for decorating)<br />
Paper straws in matching colors, cut in half.<br />
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<u>Directions:</u><br />
Measure out 6 cups of crispy rice cereal and place in a large bowl.<br />
Melt 4 tsp of butter over low heat.<br />
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Stir in marshmallows and continue to cook until marshmallows melt into butter and form a thick liquid.<br />
Remove from heat and mix marshmallows into cereal.<br />
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Using an ice cream scoop, form balls of cereal mixture, molding tight with your hands. Place on a wax paper covered cookie sheet.<br />
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Cut paper straws in half and push straws into top center of each ball to make an inverted lollipop. Reform the ball shape if needed.<br />
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Push M&M's® or Skittles® into the sides of each ball to decorate. If you need to, you can push the crispy rice around the candies to hold them in place.<br />
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Let set and harden, then serve! We placed ours in paper muffin cups to add color and prevent them from sticking to the tray.<br />
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What else would you make with the M&M's® Red, White, & Blue Milk Chocolate? Check out <a href="http://cbi.as/3ssi2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">My Confection Corner</a> for more amazing ideas!<br />
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Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06442430456657585722noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6045078928314041805.post-46424613640490007232022-06-15T14:00:00.000-05:002022-06-19T18:17:02.131-05:00Kitty Cat Snack Bento We might be dog people (in the sense that Dante is technically a dog, although I consider him a furry human), but that doesn't mean we can't enjoy some cute cat themed ideas!<br />
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Since we received a copy of the Nine Lives movie from Fox, we decided that we needed a cat themed bento to share.<br />
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In this little snack, I made a small ham and cheese sandwich on honey wheat, cut with a Cutezcute cat face pattern. I saved the outsides of the bread for egg in a hole later this week. <br />
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I had some frozen blueberries in the freezer, so took out a small cup of those for the snack and decided that a peeled clementine was perfect (or is it purr-fect?) to go with the blueberries. <br />
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To the upper right, I used a small mint brownie for a treat. I accented the brownie and orange with a few cat picks to complete the theme.<br />
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The box itself is an older Tupperware sandwich keeper. I have a few in various themes my kids liked over the years, and they are perfect for snack lunches.<br />
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Besides cute kitty cat themed food, we're also loving the Nine Lives movie. It's a great, family friendly movie, and would be an awesome pick as a Christmas stocking stuffer. All four of us found it a fun watch and we'd definitely recommend it to other families.<br />
<blockquote>
<span style="color: #674ea7;">Tom Brand (Kevin Spacey) is a daredevil billionaire at the top of his game. His eponymous company FireBrand is nearing completion on its greatest achievement to date – the tallest skyscraper in the northern hemisphere. But Tom’s workaholic lifestyle has disconnected him from his family, particularly his beautiful wife Lara (Jennifer Garner) and his adoring daughter Rebecca (Malina Weissman).</span><br />
<span style="color: #674ea7;">En route to present his daughter with her dream pet, a bizarre turn of events finds Tom trapped inside the body of Mr. Fuzzypants. Adopted by his own family, he begins to experience what life is truly like for the family pet, and as a cat, Tom begins to see his family and his life through a new and unexpected perspective. Meanwhile, his family adjusts to life with an odd and stubborn cat, and his son David (Robbie Amell), steps up in ways Tom never expected.</span><br />
<span style="color: #674ea7;">If any hope exists of returning to his family as the husband and father they deserve, Tom will have to learn why he has been placed in this peculiar situation and the great lengths he must go to earn back his human existence.</span></blockquote>
Would you like to win a copy for your family? Just use the Rafflecopter below and tell me about your favorite pet! <br />
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<i>Disclosure: Fox Home Entertainment Insiders provided me with Nine Lives and other goodies for the purposes of this giveaway, all opinions are my own.</i>Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06442430456657585722noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6045078928314041805.post-23779092283451408812022-06-01T13:00:00.000-05:002022-06-18T14:04:16.705-05:0030+ Finding Dory-Inspired Under the Sea Food Ideas for Kids<div>
Are you going to see Finding Dory this weekend? Ben and I saw a sneak preview on Monday and we LOVED it. <br />
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It features all the beloved characters from Finding Nemo and introduces some new ones--Bailey the Beluga Whale and Destiny the Whale Shark, Dory's parents, and more. Dory has made up her mind that her lack of memory isn't going to stop her from looking for her parents, and with the help of Nemo and Marlin, she sets off on the adventure to find them.</div>
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We've also been enjoying some Finding Dory inspired foods on the blog this week and we've put together a list of 30+ ideas for you to try at home, featuring Dory and other under the sea themed foods. Which one would you like to try?
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<a name='more'></a><a href="http://www.bentolunch.net/2016/06/finding-dory-inspired-under-sea-bento.html" target="_blank">Finding Dory Inspired Bento Lunch</a> from right here on Bento Lunch<br />
<a href="http://lemonlimeadventures.com/super-simple-finding-dory-trail-mix/" target="_blank">Finding Dory Trail Mix</a> from Lemon Lime Adventures<br />
<a href="http://www.diyinspired.com/finding-dory-party-ideas/" target="_blank">Finding Dory Party Ideas</a> from DIY Inspired<br />
<a href="http://www.sunshineandhurricanes.com/finding-dory-snacks/" target="_blank">Finding Dory Pretzel Rods</a> from Sunshine and Hurricanes<br />
<a href="http://www.homeiswherethemouseis.com/2016/06/healthy-finding-dory-inspired-snacks.html" target="_blank">Healthy Finding Dory Snacks, including Hank's Hummus</a> from Home is Where the Mouse Is<br />
<a href="http://www.lunchboxdad.com/2016/06/how-to-make-fun-finding-dory-soup-and.html" target="_blank">Finding Dory Soup & Sandwich Lunch</a> from Lunchbox Dad<br />
<a href="http://lemonlimeadventures.com/simple-finding-dory-punch-recipe/" target="_blank">Finding Dory Party Punch</a> from Lemon Lime Adventures<br />
<a href="http://www.sunshineandhurricanes.com/finding-dory-cupcakes/" target="_blank">Finding Dory Cupcakes</a> from Sunshine and Hurricanes<br />
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<a href="http://bunchesolunches.com/2016/06/finding-dory-lunch/" target="_blank">Finding Dory Bento Lunch</a> from Bunches o Lunches<br />
<a href="http://www.sunshineandhurricanes.com/finding-dory-cupcakes/" target="_blank">Swimmingly Fun Dory Celebration</a> from Crafty Mama in Me<br />
<a href="http://www.bentolunch.net/2016/06/more-finding-dory-inspired-under-sea.html" target="_blank">Finding Dory Inspired Bento Lunch Again</a> from right here on Bento Lunch<br />
<a href="http://hungryhappenings.com/2016/06/finding-dory-treats-just-keep-swimming-popcorn.html/" target="_blank">Finding Dory Just Keep Swimming Popcorn Treats</a> from Hungry Happenings<br />
<a href="http://www.sunshineandhurricanes.com/finding-dory-snacks/" target="_blank">Finding Dory Snack Mix</a> from Sunshine and Hurricanes<br />
<a href="https://eclecticlamb.com/2015/10/14/octopus-bread-for-lunch/" target="_blank">Octopus Bread</a> from Eclectic Lunch<br />
<a href="http://creative-food.blogspot.com/2013/05/world-turtle-day-lunch.html" target="_blank">World Turtle Day Lunch</a> from Creative Food<br />
<a href="http://totallythebomb.com/shark-bait-popcorn" target="_blank">Shark Bait Popcorn</a> from Totally the Bomb<br />
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<a href="http://nerdymamma.com/easy-ham-and-goldfish-cracker-sushi-bites/" target="_blank">Easy Ham and Goldfish Cracker "Sushi" Bites</a> from Nerdy Mamma<br />
<a href="http://artsymomma.com/2015/06/jello-shark-snacks.html" target="_blank">Jello Shark Snacks</a> from Artsy Momma<br />
<a href="http://nerdymamma.com/easy-ham-and-goldfish-cracker-sushi-bites/" target="_blank">Easy Ham and Goldfish Cracker "Sushi" Bites</a> from Nerdy Mamma<br />
<a href="http://artsymomma.com/2015/06/jello-shark-snacks.html" target="_blank">Jello Shark Snacks</a> from Artsy Momma<br />
<a href="http://www.bentolunch.net/2010/06/bens-octo-bento.html" target="_blank">Make Octo-dogs</a> from right here on Bento Lunch<br />
<a href="http://toddlermealtips.com/under-the-sea-fruit-plate-a-healthy-toddler-snack-idea/" target="_blank">Under the Sea Fruit Plate</a> from Toddler Meal Tips<br />
<a href="https://eclecticlamb.com/2014/11/17/fish-shaped-bread-for-lunch/?iframe=true&preview=true" target="_blank">Fish Shaped Bread</a> from Eclectic Lamb<br />
<a href="http://parentingchaos.com/shark-attack-punch/" target="_blank">Shark Attack Punch</a> from Parenting Chaos<br />
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<a href="http://creative-food.blogspot.com/2011/08/just-keep-swimming-just-keep-swimming.html" target="_blank">Just Keep Swimming Fish Lunch</a> from Creative Food<br />
<a href="http://www.bentolunch.net/2015/07/make-strawberry-fish.html" target="_blank">Make Easy Strawberry Fish</a> from right here on Bento Lunch<br />
<a href="http://www.thejoysofboys.com/shark-snack/" target="_blank">Jello Shark Snacks</a> from The Joy of Boys<br />
<a href="http://happybrownhouse.com/candy-shark-jello-snacks/" target="_blank">Candy Shark Jello Snacks</a> from Happy Brown House<br />
<a href="http://toddlermealtips.com/tropical-food-toddlers-cute-meal-ideas-fish-dolphins-palm-trees/" target="_blank">Tropical Island Lunch Plate</a> from Toddler Meal Tips<br />
<a href="http://lifewithmoorebabies.blogspot.com/2012/10/nadias-mermaid-party.html" target="_blank">Mermaid Party and Under the Sea Ideas</a> from Life with Moore Babies<br />
<a href="http://creative-food.blogspot.com/2011/08/giddy-up-seahorse.html" target="_blank">Giddy Up Seahorse Lunch</a> from Creative Food<br />
<a href="http://childhood101.com/2013/11/dreaming-of-summer-easy-jelly-snack-idea-for-kids/" target="_blank">Easy Tropical Jelly Snack</a> from Childhood 101<br />
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<a href="http://Mermaid Bento Lunch from Eclectic Lamb" target="_blank">Mermaid Bento Lunch</a> from Eclectic Lamb<br />
<a href="http://artsycraftsymom.com/hot-dog-bun-submarine-snack/" target="_blank">Hot Dog Bun Submarine Snack</a> from Artsy Crafty Mom<br />
<a href="http://rubberbootsandelfshoes.blogspot.com/2012/07/lets-go-fishing.html" target="_blank">Let's Go Fishing Snack</a> from Rubber Boots and Elf Shoes<br />
<a href="http://dianarambles.com/2016/05/sea-family-movie-night-party.html" target="_blank">Under the Sea Movie Night Ideas</a> from Diana Rambles<br />
<a href="http://Shark Bento Lunch from Creative Food" target="_blank">Shark Bento Lunch</a> from Creative Food<br />
<a href="http://www.livinglifeandlearning.com/finding-dory-chocolate-pretzel-treat.html" target="_blank">Finding Dory Chocolate Pretzel Snack</a> from Living Life & Learning<br />
<a href="http://www.bentolunch.net/2010/05/preschool-bento-51-fish-in-sea.html" target="_blank">Fish in the Sea Bento</a> from right here on Bento Lunch</div>
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Do you have any other great ideas to add to the list? I'd love to see them. We have a few more up our sleeves too. Leave me a comment so I can keep building the list!</div>
</div>Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06442430456657585722noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6045078928314041805.post-60516247932127623322022-05-15T10:45:00.000-05:002022-06-18T13:44:38.117-05:00How to Pack Disposable Bento LunchesYou know you're going to get that note from school at some point this year.<br />
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It's field trip time! Please send a few dollars and a disposable lunch with your child. The problem for me is that I don't typically have disposable containers. I use washable containers for everything in my fridge which limits my options.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g2ZbdJ6Q75w/XUnFPPiSH0I/AAAAAAAAXC4/AGfFGsiaGfE7pnjCiBmtQn49RO2NW4wGwCLcBGAs/s1600/disposable-header.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="808" data-original-width="1208" height="428" nopin="nopin" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g2ZbdJ6Q75w/XUnFPPiSH0I/AAAAAAAAXC4/AGfFGsiaGfE7pnjCiBmtQn49RO2NW4wGwCLcBGAs/s1600/disposable-header.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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So what does your typical lunch packing mom who uses bento boxes do? Use recyclable or other containers and make a disposable bento lunch. <br />
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<a name='more'></a>If you know the field trip is coming up, save containers that you can reuse. Hand wash and dry whatever you have, taking care to choose ones that help edible foods (there's no version of this where one is going to want to use raw meat containers).<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bcU0aBRhjvM/XUm0eIu3TxI/AAAAAAAAXCA/PVUCtGONn70xPUtMAWgNw_G_U4ADnHT6ACLcBGAs/s1600/ben-turtle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1562" height="640" nopin="nopin" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bcU0aBRhjvM/XUm0eIu3TxI/AAAAAAAAXCA/PVUCtGONn70xPUtMAWgNw_G_U4ADnHT6ACLcBGAs/s1600/ben-turtle.jpg" width="624" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.bentolunch.net/2015/05/disposable-bento-for-field-trip.html" target="_blank">Berry containers can easily hold cut sandwiches and paper muffin wrappers separate the fruit. Don't forget doodling on the paper bags.</a><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LGzFW5spaRE/XUm0eEnJkCI/AAAAAAAAXCE/zB-ni2ytXBsdZVv5OQXkKq6HeAtto26fACLcBGAs/s1600/camp-lunch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="946" data-original-width="1600" height="378" nopin="nopin" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LGzFW5spaRE/XUm0eEnJkCI/AAAAAAAAXCE/zB-ni2ytXBsdZVv5OQXkKq6HeAtto26fACLcBGAs/s1600/camp-lunch.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.bentolunch.net/2018/06/time-for-camp-lunch.html" target="_blank">Salads from the deli come in containers that can be washed and reused. Tin foil makes a good temporary liner for containers that have air holes.</a><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VjsQ-ELsopA/XUm1benjA-I/AAAAAAAAXCM/kVY8_R8NbTcN32MZk28GkDtgzyrUvJpcgCLcBGAs/s1600/disposablebento2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1031" data-original-width="1464" height="450" nopin="nopin" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VjsQ-ELsopA/XUm1benjA-I/AAAAAAAAXCM/kVY8_R8NbTcN32MZk28GkDtgzyrUvJpcgCLcBGAs/s1600/disposablebento2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.bentolunch.net/2012/04/disposable-bentos-for-field-trips.html" target="_blank">Styrofoam take out containers occasionally have their use too!</a><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Akfx8hzYAKQ/XUm2I-Q4tYI/AAAAAAAAXCY/6dEKQHwUzrI4EYSEyyNbOR2ygb9VdMTuACLcBGAs/s1600/nasabento.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="863" data-original-width="829" height="640" nopin="nopin" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Akfx8hzYAKQ/XUm2I-Q4tYI/AAAAAAAAXCY/6dEKQHwUzrI4EYSEyyNbOR2ygb9VdMTuACLcBGAs/s1600/nasabento.jpg" width="614" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.bentolunch.net/2010/09/cool-astronauts-eat-bentos.html" target="_blank">For a little decoration, try making your own disposable food picks with cardstock, stickers, and regular toothpicks.</a><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7kOaiZVTcQY/XUm4vd2esaI/AAAAAAAAXCk/X_5I2vWNADcM5p8Ecz4SscgmhRRfWhjJQCLcBGAs/s1600/disposablehalloweenbento.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1142" data-original-width="1600" height="456" nopin="nopin" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7kOaiZVTcQY/XUm4vd2esaI/AAAAAAAAXCk/X_5I2vWNADcM5p8Ecz4SscgmhRRfWhjJQCLcBGAs/s1600/disposablehalloweenbento.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.bentolunch.net/2012/11/the-very-last-halloween-bento.html" target="_blank">Lunchmeat containers seal well too and hold more than you'd think!</a><br />
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Need more field trip ideas? Check out our <a href="http://www.bentolunch.net/search/label/disposable" target="_blank">DISPOSABLE</a> tag for more ideas, containers, and food on the go.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wOFeN5hs26Y/XUnJLrz1ufI/AAAAAAAAXDE/sGfyvJ9phQ4_JO1YKWKqJnaf5KdU-uMkQCLcBGAs/s1600/disposable-pin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="600" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wOFeN5hs26Y/XUnJLrz1ufI/AAAAAAAAXDE/sGfyvJ9phQ4_JO1YKWKqJnaf5KdU-uMkQCLcBGAs/s1600/disposable-pin.jpg" data-pin-description="Do you need disposable lunches for a field trip? Make bentos with recyclable containers. #bentolunch #schoollunch" /></a></div>
<br />Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06442430456657585722noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6045078928314041805.post-53187949378825777192022-05-04T08:50:00.000-05:002022-06-18T14:05:22.789-05:0025+ Fun Food Ideas for Star Wars DayMay the Fourth Be With You!!!!<br />
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Once again, it's Star Wars Day and we are so excited for Star Wars food and fun today. We'll definitely be making <b>Star Wars food</b> at our house, but until we actually get around to eating lunch, we've compiled a list of some awesome Star Wars food you can try. From bento lunches, to snacks, desserts, and more, there's a little something for everyone!<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mRF-LzI7iN0/VymwQwfGYHI/AAAAAAAAS2Y/-NA435KJA_UBCFtPUOIOo7yyMEo7PnjPACLcB/s1600/star-wars-food-pinterest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" nopin="nopin" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mRF-LzI7iN0/VymwQwfGYHI/AAAAAAAAS2Y/-NA435KJA_UBCFtPUOIOo7yyMEo7PnjPACLcB/s1600/star-wars-food-pinterest.jpg" width="448" /></a></div>
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<li>An amazing <a href="http://www.bentoninja.net/bento/bb8/" target="_blank">BB-8 sandwich and other droids bento</a> from Bento Ninja</li>
<li><a href="http://seevanessacraft.com/2015/12/recipe-star-wars-snack-mix/" target="_blank">Star Wars Snack Mix</a> from See Vanessa Craft</li>
<li><a href="http://www.bentolunch.net/2015/11/galaxy-breakfast-bars-foodawakens.html" target="_blank">Galaxy Breakfast Bars</a> right here on Bento Lunch</li>
<li><a href="http://www.zoeslunchbox.com/2013/05/may-4th-be-with-you.html" target="_blank">Death Star Rice</a> in a Dark Side bento from Zoe's Lunchbox</li>
<li><a href="http://totallythebomb.com/star-wars-bb-8-droid-quesadillas" target="_blank">BB-8 Droid Quesadillas</a> from Totally the Bomb</li>
<li><a href="http://www.bitingthehandthatfeedsyou.net/2013/05/may-the-fourth-be-with-you-star-wars-bento-hop.html" target="_blank">Come to the Dark Side, We Have Lunch</a> bento from Biting the Hand that Feeds You</li>
<li><a href="http://www.myepicureanadventures.com/2015/05/may-4th-be-with-you-2015.html" target="_blank">May the Fourth Be With You</a> bento and cookies from My Epicurean Adventures</li>
<li>Not a bento, but a <a href="http://jdaniel4smom.com/2012/03/muffin-tin-monday-star-wars-birthday.html" target="_blank">Star Wars Muffin Tin lunch</a> from JDaniel4's Mom</li>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6CG-3E9HoBo/Vymsym817rI/AAAAAAAAS2I/VQrUki9nG2cA4rSnz1o0xQU_tPwqXxTKACLcB/s1600/star-wars-food-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="368" nopin="nopin" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6CG-3E9HoBo/Vymsym817rI/AAAAAAAAS2I/VQrUki9nG2cA4rSnz1o0xQU_tPwqXxTKACLcB/s1600/star-wars-food-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<li>Not just Star Wars, an <a href="http://bebento-kids.blogspot.com.au/2013/04/angry-bird-star-wars.html?m=1" target="_blank">Angry Bird Star Wars</a> bento from Bebento Kids</li>
<li><a href="http://www.naturalbeachliving.com/recipe/healthy-fruit-snacks" target="_blank">Healthy, Homemade Star Wars Fruit Snacks</a> from Natural Healthy Living</li>
<li><a href="http://www.redtedart.com/2015/12/20/star-wars-treats-edible-light-sabers/" target="_blank">Edible Light Sabers</a> from Red Ted Art</li>
<li><a href="http://totallythebomb.com/star-wars-princess-leia-cupcakes" target="_blank">Star Wars Princess Leia Cupcakes</a> from Totally the Bomb</li>
<li><a href="http://www.myepicureanadventures.com/2013/05/star-wars-day-2013-blog-hop.html" target="_blank">Star Wars Day</a> bento, featuring cheese & carrot Princess Leia! from My Epicurean Adventures</li>
</ul>
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<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.bentolunch.net/2015/05/may-fourth-be-with-you-star-wars-day.html" target="_blank">Yoda Fruit Plate</a> from right here on Bento Lunch</li>
<li><a href="http://www.thejoysofboys.com/star-wars-bb-8-punch/" target="_blank">Star Wars BB-8 Punch</a> from the Joy of Boys</li>
<li><a href="http://www.bentolunch.net/2015/12/star-wars-bento-lunch.html" target="_blank">Yoda sandwiches and gingerbread Wookies</a> from right here on Bento Lunch</li>
<li><a href="http://untrainedhousewife.com/lightsaber-pretzels" target="_blank">Light Saber Pretzel Rods</a> from the Untrained Housewife</li>
<li><a href="http://seevanessacraft.com/2015/12/recipe-star-wars-chewie-caramel-corn/" target="_blank">Star Wars Chewie Caramel Corn</a> from See Vanessa Craft</li>
</ul>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k7GbCBg1uH8/VymyNaq72RI/AAAAAAAAS2k/YKIr7KOWNasrlcDW6gMvEsC-RXyx7nZXACLcB/s1600/star-wars-food-3a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="504" nopin="nopin" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k7GbCBg1uH8/VymyNaq72RI/AAAAAAAAS2k/YKIr7KOWNasrlcDW6gMvEsC-RXyx7nZXACLcB/s1600/star-wars-food-3a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<ul>
<li>A great <a href="http://bunchesolunches.com/2015/12/star-wars-lunch/" target="_blank">Star Wars bento</a> with lots of little touches from Bunches o Lunches</li>
<li>Love these <a href="http://www.thejoysofboys.com/bb-8-pancakes/" target="_blank">BB-8 Pancakes</a> from the Joy of Boys</li>
<li>A cute <a href="http://www.bitingthehandthatfeedsyou.net/2013/05/may-the-fourth-be-with-you-star-wars-bento-hop.html" target="_blank">Darth Vader & Son bento</a> lunch from Biting the Hand that Feeds You</li>
<li>Make <a href="http://www.craftymama-in-me.com/kids-kitchen-make-star-wars-themed-jigglers/" target="_blank">Star Wars Themed Jello Jigglers</a> from Crafty Mama in M</li>
<li><a href="http://www.thejennyevolution.com/storm-trooper-star-wars-cupcakes/" target="_blank">Storm Trooper Cupcakes</a> from the Jenny Evolution</li>
<li><a href="http://kidzactivities.net/diy-star-wars-party-favors/" target="_blank">Chocolate Light Saber Party Favors</a> from Kidz Activities</li>
<li>A <a href="http://www.bentolunch.net/2016/01/finally-girl-power-star-wars-bento-lunch.html" target="_blank">Girl Power Princess Leia lunch</a> from right here on Bento Lunch</li>
<li><a href="http://totallythebomb.com/wampa-star-wars-granola-bars" target="_blank">Wampa Granola Bars</a> from Totally the Bomb</li>
</ul>
What is your family doing for Star Wars day? I think we're going to do Star Wars pancakes for breakfast and Star Wars sandwiches at lunch. Check out all of our <a href="http://www.bentolunch.net/search/label/star%20wars" target="_blank">previous Star Wars posts</a> for more inspiration. I'd love to see pictures of what you make.
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aZoxutooNH8/XT80heR2pKI/AAAAAAAAW-0/_s9xf8vwxUwnvJMEDV_Ud3ADaZioaQLSgCLcBGAs/s1600/star-wars-pin-resize.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="600" data-pin-description="25+ Fun Food Ideas for Star Wars Day" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aZoxutooNH8/XT80heR2pKI/AAAAAAAAW-0/_s9xf8vwxUwnvJMEDV_Ud3ADaZioaQLSgCLcBGAs/s1600/star-wars-pin-resize.jpg" /></a></div>
Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06442430456657585722noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6045078928314041805.post-87771548029281257482022-04-15T14:15:00.001-05:002022-06-18T14:03:26.228-05:00Five Cute Easy Sandwiches You Can MakeSchool is starting soon and this means it's almost time for lunches again! <br />
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While I adore cute food, I also adore cute EASY food. And I totally understand that buying a collection of tools just to make those cute lunches aren't always in a parent's budget. These ideas involve kitchen tools like knives or scissors and/or basic cookie cutters like circles or hearts that most people already have. Check out these <b>five cute and easy sandwiches you can make</b> yourself.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rL6lbCqRckY/XTS5U5246xI/AAAAAAAAW8w/xA_TNb2BLm0Laka85f351jC5009kht9DACLcBGAs/s1600/five-easy-sandwiches-banner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1070" data-original-width="1600" height="426" nopin="nopin" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rL6lbCqRckY/XTS5U5246xI/AAAAAAAAW8w/xA_TNb2BLm0Laka85f351jC5009kht9DACLcBGAs/s1600/five-easy-sandwiches-banner.jpg?imgmax=1600" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a name='more'></a>#1 - <a href="https://www.bentolunch.net/2016/06/make-easy-fish-sandwich.html" target="_blank">Easy Fish Sandwich</a><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PG7rpQ98Mno/XTSvjtWPCyI/AAAAAAAAW8Q/ARQgFsgXWJUERXv9macAyH3NokdmsBqPwCEwYBhgL/s1600/make-an-easy-fish-sandwich.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1491" height="400" nopin="nopin" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PG7rpQ98Mno/XTSvjtWPCyI/AAAAAAAAW8Q/ARQgFsgXWJUERXv9macAyH3NokdmsBqPwCEwYBhgL/s1600/make-an-easy-fish-sandwich.jpg?imgmax=1491" width="372" /></a></div>
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This cute little fish requires bread rounds as a base, heart and circle cookie cutters, and a few colors of cheese to give it some decoration.<br />
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#2 - <a href="https://www.bentolunch.net/2015/08/natures-harvest-sandwich-art-photo.html" target="_blank">Bear Face Sandwich</a><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eejr9SU57ds/XTSvjSra3qI/AAAAAAAAW8E/fisLUXiSpbQUXh4yfd8D_OlYm8yjP1UyQCEwYBhgL/s1600/bearsandwich.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1245" data-original-width="1600" height="311" nopin="nopin" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eejr9SU57ds/XTSvjSra3qI/AAAAAAAAW8E/fisLUXiSpbQUXh4yfd8D_OlYm8yjP1UyQCEwYBhgL/s1600/bearsandwich.jpg?imgmax=1600" width="400" /></a></div>
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Sometimes your bread has a great shape that leads to a perfect sandwich. The outline of this bear uses the natural shape of the sandwich bread, circle cutters, and some kitchen scissors to finish out the mouth.<br />
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#3 - <a href="https://www.bentolunch.net/2017/08/how-to-make-penguin-sandwich.html" target="_blank">Penguin Sandwich</a><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5DNgFthNw0A/XTSvjmtqRxI/AAAAAAAAW8M/Oe4jd24Bz2Q0LvpktRtcYKiYb_YSefGJwCEwYBhgL/s1600/make-a-penguin-sandwich.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1209" data-original-width="1600" height="301" nopin="nopin" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5DNgFthNw0A/XTSvjmtqRxI/AAAAAAAAW8M/Oe4jd24Bz2Q0LvpktRtcYKiYb_YSefGJwCEwYBhgL/s1600/make-a-penguin-sandwich.jpg?imgmax=1600" width="400" /></a></div>
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This penguin could also be an owl, an Angry Bird, or other flying critters. It's also a great idea as a base for animals that have muzzles (dogs, cats, bears, and more). Use a circle cutter to flip bread rounds for detail and add sugar eyes for a little treat.<br />
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#4 - <a href="https://www.bentolunch.net/2015/06/snips-snails-snacks-tutorial-giveaway.html" target="_blank">Snail Roll Ups</a><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yyHQq_hoPCs/XTSvj5iG72I/AAAAAAAAW8k/Rb_fCZDtHmsl9ltq5yMjxTm1xBI3_8BhQCEwYBhgL/s1600/pbj-snail-rolls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1400" data-original-width="1600" height="350" nopin="nopin" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yyHQq_hoPCs/XTSvj5iG72I/AAAAAAAAW8k/Rb_fCZDtHmsl9ltq5yMjxTm1xBI3_8BhQCEwYBhgL/s1600/pbj-snail-rolls.jpg?imgmax=1600" width="400" /></a></div>
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I used PB&J to make these stick well, but you could definitely use ham and cheese or something similar. Just use some cream cheese to make it stick and add pretzels for the antenna.<br />
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#5 - <a href="https://www.bentolunch.net/2016/05/make-easy-captain-america-shield.html" target="_blank">Captain America Shield Sandwich</a><br />
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Do you have an Avengers fan? Our Captain America sandwich only needs bread rounds, circle cutters, and a small star!<br />
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Even with all my kitchen tools, my favorite ideas seem to be the simplest, and these five cute sandwich ideas should definitely help get you started!<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rtEUjXHvaXI/XTS8yUliUdI/AAAAAAAAW9M/DcHTG4fWElkqvnBbSM_CYrnD6YLAeu_bACLcBGAs/s1600/five-sandwiches-pin2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="600" data-pin-description="Five Cute and Easy Sandwiches You Can Make #bentolunch #backtoschool #cutefood" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rtEUjXHvaXI/XTS8yUliUdI/AAAAAAAAW9M/DcHTG4fWElkqvnBbSM_CYrnD6YLAeu_bACLcBGAs/s1600/five-sandwiches-pin2.jpg" /></a></div>
Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06442430456657585722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6045078928314041805.post-20901309143082397252022-04-01T14:45:00.000-05:002022-06-19T18:17:21.999-05:0025+ Amazing Avengers Fun Food IdeasIn case you haven't been reading the blog in the last week, the boy and I went to see a preview of the new Captain America: Civil War movie. This has ignited our current obsession with all things Avengers and, of course, requires <b>Avengers food</b>. Who wouldn't want Captain America, Iron Man Spiderman, et al. on their plates?<br />
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We've compiled a list of some of our favorite Avengers foods from some great bloggers to try and to share--lunches, desserts, treats, and more! Even better, we've tried to pick recipes and ideas you can recreate at home!<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oNQNIx11ZnY/VzTb8gW-BAI/AAAAAAAAS5E/K4smnbi8BMACKutlx89wWGg9Z3RFR5M8wCLcB/s1600/25-Avengers-Food-Ideas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-pin-description="25+ Amazing Avengers Fun Food Ideas" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oNQNIx11ZnY/VzTb8gW-BAI/AAAAAAAAS5E/K4smnbi8BMACKutlx89wWGg9Z3RFR5M8wCLcB/s1600/25-Avengers-Food-Ideas.jpg" width="448" /></a></div>
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<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.bentolunch.net/2016/05/make-easy-captain-america-shield.html" target="_blank">How to Make a Captain America Shield Sandwich</a> from right here on BentoLunch</li>
<li><a href="http://totallythebomb.com/thor-hammer-pops" target="_blank">Thor's Hammer Pops</a> from Totally the Bomb</li>
<li><a href="http://thenerdswife.com/host-captain-america-party.html" target="_blank">Captain America Shield Cookies & Other Great Party Ideas</a> from The Nerd's Wife</li>
<li><a href="http://www.momendeavors.com/2015/04/avengers-superhero-party.html" target="_blank">Amazing Avengers Party Foods</a> from Mom Endeavors</li>
<li><a href="http://bebento-kids.blogspot.com.au/2013/05/ironman-birthday-theme.html?m=0" target="_blank">Iron Man Bento Lunch and Birthday Cake</a> from Bebento - Kids</li>
<li><a href="http://momvstheboys.com/2015/10/patriotic-jello-swirl-ice-cream/" target="_blank">Captain America Jello Swirl Ice Cream</a> from Mom vs the Boys</li>
<li>S<a href="http://www.bentolunch.net/2015/11/spiderman-spiderman-bento.html" target="_blank">imple Spiderman Bento</a> from right here on BentoLunch</li>
<li><a href="http://seevanessacraft.com/2015/02/craft-spider-man-cupcake-toppers/" target="_blank">Edible Spiderman Cake Toppers</a> from See Vanessa Craft</li>
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<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.eatsamazing.co.uk/bento-lunches/lunches/captain-america-bento-lunch-funfoodfriday" target="_blank">Captain America Bento Lunch with Shield Bread</a> from Eats Amazing</li>
<li><a href="http://totallythebomb.com/hulk-pudding-cups" target="_blank">Hulk Pudding Cups</a> from Totally the Bomb</li>
<li><a href="http://thenerdswife.com/captain-america-party-snacks-red-skull-pops.html" target="_blank">Red Skull Marshmallow Pops</a> from The Nerd's Wife</li>
<li><a href="http://greenlunchesgreenkids.com/2015/04/avengers-week-captain-america-lunch/" target="_blank">Captain America Mini Pizzas</a> from Green Lunches, Green Kids</li>
<li><a href="http://itsafabulouslife.com/marvel-avengers-birthday-idea-hulk-cupcakes/" target="_blank">Hulk Smash Cupcakes</a> from It's a Fabulous Life</li>
<li><a href="http://bunchesolunches.com/2016/05/captain-america-civil-war-lunch/" target="_blank">Captain America and Iron Man Bentos</a> from Bunches o Lunches</li>
<li><a href="http://www.momendeavors.com/2015/06/no-bake-captain-america-shield-treats.html" target="_blank">No Bake Captain America Shield Treats</a> from Mom Endeavors</li>
<li><a href="http://www.bentolunch.net/2016/05/teamcap-or-teamironman-bento.html" target="_blank">Captain America: Civil War Bento</a> from right here on Bento Lunch</li>
<li><a href="http://stayingclosetohome.com/throw-a-marvels-the-avengers-age-of-ultron-party/" target="_blank">Avengers Popcorn Bar</a> from Close to Home</li>
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<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.thejoysofboys.com/super-hero-lunch/" target="_blank">Super Hero Lunch with Shield Tortillas</a> from The Joy of Boys</li>
<li><a href="http://www.tutusteaparties.com/2014/09/red-white-blue-captain-america-party.html" target="_blank">Captain America Chex Mix & Other Great Party Ideas</a> from Tutus and Tea Parties</li>
<li><a href="http://www.bentoninja.net/bento/captain-america-bento/" target="_blank">Captain America</a>, <a href="http://www.bentoninja.net/bento/ironman/" target="_blank">Iron Man</a>, and <a href="http://www.bentoninja.net/bento/hulk/" target="_blank">Hulk</a> Bentos from Bento Ninja</li>
<li><a href="http://bunchesolunches.com/2016/05/captain-america-civil-war-lunch/" target="_blank">Hulk Smash Ice Cream</a> from Mom vs the Boys</li>
<li><a href="http://thetiptoefairy.com/2014/09/black-widow-popcorn-treat-disney-infinity-games/" target="_blank">Black Widow Popcorn Treat</a> from The Tiptoe Fairy</li>
<li><a href="http://totallythebomb.com/hulk-punch" target="_blank">Hulk Punch</a> from Totally the Bomb</li>
<li><a href="http://www.messylittlemonster.com/2015/03/spiderman-cake-in-jar-recycled-baby.html" target="_blank">Spiderman Cake in a Jar</a> from Messy Little Monsters</li>
<li><a href="http://itsafabulouslife.com/marvel-avengers-party-ideas-giveaway/" target="_blank">Captain America Shield Shortcake</a> from It's a Fabulous Life</li>
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Have you ever made Avengers themed food? Or know a great one to add to this list? Leave me a comment and show me!Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06442430456657585722noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6045078928314041805.post-44573388078998957432022-03-15T10:15:00.000-05:002022-06-18T13:50:51.629-05:00Make Mini Corndog Racers<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. </i></div>
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<i>All opinions are mine alone. #RaceDayRelief #CollectiveBias</i></div>
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Are you enjoying race season so far? The first time I actually got into racing was several years ago on a trip to North Carolina. There's nothing quite like being at the races with hot passes, getting down on the track, seeing the cars, and meeting the drivers to really get you into a sport! I learned a lot on that trip and developed a new appreciation for racing. This season, we're excited about Ty Dillon in Car #95.<br />
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No sporting event at our house is complete without snacks. Of course, those snacks just have to be cute. We are loving how adorable these <b>Mini Corndog Racers</b> are, and they are great with ketchup, mustard, or other spicy dipping sauces.<br />
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Would you like to make them for your family? Your kids will be sure to love them, and maybe play with them too.</div>
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<u>What You Need:</u><br />
<ul>
<li>Mini corndogs, cooked (you can make your own or buy & heat the premade kind)</li>
<li>Spaghetti noodles, dry</li>
<li>String Cheese</li>
<li>Cute animal or people food picks for decoration</li>
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<u>How to Make:</u><br />
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<li>Cook your corndogs per the package directions or make your own! We own a little kitchen device that makes mini corndogs, but opted for the premade kind since it is a little bit easier. If you don't like corndogs, you can substitute cooked mini sausages or cooked hot dogs (slice those into thirds).</li>
<li>In the meantime, cut your string cheese into rounds, no more than a quarter inch thick. You'll need four (4) rounds per corndog to make the wheels.</li>
<li>Skewer a spaghetti noodle into the center of a cheese wheel, then feed the spaghetti noodle through the tip of the corndog to form the front wheel base.</li>
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<li>Add a second cheese wheel on the sticking out end and push it down the noodle until it reaches the corndog.</li>
<li>Using sharp kitchen shears, snip the noodle right where it is flush with the cheese wheel.</li>
<li>Repeat the process to make the back wheel set too.</li>
<li>Add a cute animal food pick to make the driver!</li>
<li>Serve with ketchup, mustard, or barbecue sauce!</li>
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Why spaghetti noodles for the wheels? It's a question we get a lot! The heat of the cooked corndog, plus the cool dampness of the cheese will soften the noodles. We prefer them to toothpicks, so the whole food item is edible in one bite if desired.<br />
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Optional but cute, make mini flags out of washi tape and toothpicks for the back of the car! Just fold washi tape over a tooth pick to make a square flag, then trim into a triangle point. Faith helped make the cute set we used for these racers out of assorted colors of washi tape. You could do team colors, black and white, add numbers to the flags, the possibilities are endless.<br />
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What are your favorite race day snacks? We like to pair up our Mini Corndog Racers with chips and salsa, cheese and crackers, and other simple finger foods, so we can enjoy the race and relax!<br />
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But, while you're enjoying your race day snacks, the last thing you want to worry about is heartburn. <a href="http://cbi.as/30pum" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Nexium 24HR</a>, the new #1 selling frequent heartburn brand*, makes it easier to enjoy your snacks and your race with their all day, all night frequent heartburn protection. Pick some up at Walmart while you're getting your race day snack ingredients and you'll be set for race time.<br />
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<i>*Based on IRI sales data 52 weeks ending 11/1/15 among OTC brands. </i><br />
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<img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="600" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HPwtLhbBjHI/W-IhtTyL8YI/AAAAAAAAWbc/giZAHgUWNVIanD4Cr4BEd8F0nQ_xxCtIACLcBGAs/s1600/corndog-race-cars-pin.jpg" data-pin-description="Do you have a car loving kid? Make Mini Corndog Race Cars for a snack!" /></div>
<i><br /></i>Shannonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06442430456657585722noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6045078928314041805.post-15626875583759324932022-01-24T12:50:00.000-06:002022-06-18T13:53:25.805-05:00Back to School Bear Sandwich Bento LunchThe other kid went back to school the day after her brother. She actually started her two days/week dual enrollment college classes a few days prior, but I was informed that her official back to school date was her part-time charter school.<br />
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She requested "something cute" and I went with something cute. (Tutorial coming soon, I have to remake it to get photos for my readers.)<br />
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<a name='more'></a>In this lunch, I used a variety of circle cutters to create a cute bear sandwich. It's actually made of multigrain sandwich rounds, some muenster cheese, and a bit of pepperoni for accents. The sandwich itself is ham, havarti, and mayo on the inside.<br />
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To the right, I used floral cups to add some sliced strawberries, complete with a matching bear pick, and some mini fudge striped cookies.<br />
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Lunch is packed in one of our Easy Lunchboxes and didn't need many other sides since jazz and concert rehearsals haven't started yet.<br />
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