Thursday, January 21, 2010

Chili and Corn Bento


Chili and Corn Bento, originally uploaded by sherimiya ♥.
Today's bento has veggie chili with 3 kinds of beans, as well as chopped cauliflower and zucchini hidden within. If you do this, you might want to chop the veggies small enough that they are unrecognizable, depending on how astute your kids are. I got lazy and just threw in the chunks, so my kids immediately pointed out that those white things were cauliflower and not tofu, which is what my hubs initially assumed.

I also put in a piece of yellow corn. Doesn't it look bright and summery? I love yellow in bento. Besides corn, I like yellow carrots and sweet yellow peppers; I think this color really makes the food look cheerful and delicious :) I decorated the corn with a carrot flower and cilantro leaves. And because chili goes with rice, I put some in a little cup as well, with nori and ume furikake sprinkled on top.

We have some nice fruits in the house right now, and I was able to give him cherries, a big juicy sliced strawberry, and some kiwi flowers.

All packed up in my new Pokemon box!! Isn't it cute? I got it at Ichiban Kan, which I was surprised to discover is now carrying "designer" bento boxes now. They always in the past had stocked a few Hamtaro and Hello Kitty bento accessories, but usually the boxes were other, widely available brands. So, my boy will be happy to see this at lunchtime. He is still very excited about the Pokemon books these days ^_^

17 comments:

  1. Sheri, I'm catching up on your blog. Hehe, it's funny how quickly they found the cauliflower. I love the kiwi flowers.

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  2. OMG! Who doesn't love Pokemon? I'm admiring your technique on the corn. Very pretty.

    And heck yeah, chili goes with rice!!!

    Super duper bento box sheri!

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  3. cute new box! you have so much good bento stuff, yay for you (and for mister man) :-)

    i love chili with all of these things - rice, corn, and cilantro. perfect meal, and the most cheerful and sunshine-y chili meal i've ever seen!!

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  4. Hi Rachel,
    Yeah, they're funny! Thanks :)

    Thanks Debra! Chili rice, the Zippy's standard! Can't make chili without thinking about it :)
    This is my hippest "boy" bento, and my boy is finally super happy about it!

    Hi megan,
    You always say such sweet things, your comments brighten my day! Thanks ever so much!! :)

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  5. This new box looks really nice! I'm sure your boy will be happy about this ^.^
    And you are totally right. The yellow looks bright and shiny. And elegant, too, with the flower on top ;)

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  6. I am so jealous of your store that has pokemon bento boxes! I wish we had stores like that near me!

    Lunch looks delicious!

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  7. I always put veggies & stuff into chili too: carrot, corn, zucchini, cauliflower, chick peas, broccoli, etc. The first time I had chili with vegetables was at one of the Grand Canyon lodges in a bread bowl and it was soooo good!

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  8. Hi Lil'chan, thanks! It is surely his favorite now :)

    Hi Jenn, I hope the cute boxes find their way to your stores soon! Thanks a lot!

    veganf, chili seems more satisfying when filled with chunky veggies, and I think kids are more likely to agree. I LOVE bread bowls, that sounds fantastic!!
    Thanks!

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  9. So cute! Your bentos are such a fresh wind of good cheer, a real lift to see and read about! Enjoying the golden corn-flower, the crisply defined kiwi-blooms, and the healthy goodness in every section of this bento! My adorable nephews Carson and Devin are very into Pokemon, btw!

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  10. Very cute!! I love how fresh it looks- wonderful for a January!!

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  11. Thanks so much bentobird! I love reading your thoughtful and poetic compliments. They really make my day :)
    Carson and Devin seem to fit right in with my boy too ^_^

    Hi Melanie! Thanks a lot! We can all use some sunshiny flower pick-me-ups this time of year, I think :)

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  12. Sheri, it is very bright and cheerful for this bento. Pokemon box is very cute and your poka dot background is great! And the foods are yummy, good combination of all ... ;)

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  13. Thanks Lia! How about your kids, do they like Pokemon?

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  14. I like the new look, so cheery and the bigger pictures look great! Your food always looks as delicious as it does beautiful! :D

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  15. Thanks Susan! Not sure I like it as much...it'll take getting used to.
    This box was a big hit today, though :)

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  16. And here I thought we only ate chili and rice in Hawaii :] All time favorite, glad to see it in bento-form!

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  17. Omg, I grew up in Hawaii and my Zippy's of choice was always chili rice! Yum!

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