How often do you bento?

@krebstar5 (1266)
United States
February 12, 2007 10:40am CST
Sometimes making a good bento can be pretty time comsuming and those of us with the best intentions still cannot find the time to make one for every day. About how often do you make bentos? I average about 2-3 times a week and make two bentos each time (so my sister can have one too). What are your tips for being able to make more bento lunches during the week?
1 person likes this
2 responses
@ctinabina (386)
• United States
12 Feb 07
I make a bento box almost every work day. I am usually able to whip one up pretty quickly when I have certain things already frozen. I will make a bunch of something and freeze the rest, so I can use grab some for my bento in the morning or the night before. Right now, for example, I have turkey meatballs, wontons, and potato croquettes which I have hand made and then froze. I also have a bunch of steamed buns and vegetarian chicken nuggets that I purchased frozen. Then, I also usually have frozen edamame and vegetable mixes which is always nice for a side. Then, for fresh stuff, I usually have a cucumber and a diakon along with fruit. A quick and easy cucumber salad is also really nice as a side. All you have to do is slice the cucumber, sprinkle it with salt, drain the water, and add dried dill. For desserts, ready made pocky, mini-puddings, or cut up fruit and yogurt are quick and easy. Of course, the easiest and best is to pack left overs from the night before.
@krebstar5 (1266)
• United States
12 Feb 07
Wow, thanks! Those tips are really helpful. My main problem is keeping enough fresh things on hand. I like that simple cucumber salad though. I also need to learn what to do with a diakon. I went to buy one once and it was so big I got too intimidated to make the commitment. lol!
1 person likes this
• United States
12 Feb 07
About the diakon, sometimes you can just cut a piece off and only buy that part. I think that's what most people do because they are so big. Also, hardboiled eggs are super easy too. I boil several at once. They keep for a while, too. When I feel like eggs, I boil 3 a week and stick them in the egg molds I have. BTW, it's so nice of you to make a bento for your sister. I have asked my husband if he'd like me to make him one, but I think he's self-conscious about eating such cute food.
@twilight021 (2059)
• United States
12 Feb 07
I tired to make bento lunches last night. It didn't go as well as I hoped. I think it came out pretty lame...partially becuase I became paralyzed since I lacked a "vision", and the whole thing just became a bit overwhelming.
@krebstar5 (1266)
• United States
13 Feb 07
99% of my bentos are made up as I go along. Sometimes when I have a vision, I find that my end product is really quite different from what I intended it to be. No worries. If you had fun, keep it up. I had so much fun making my bentos tonight. Eventhough I cheated a little bit by buying some premade sushi. ^_^