Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Mac and Cheese Thermal Bento

MisterMan gets to take his red Stanley thermal food jar, packed with steaming hot macaroni and cheese. This batch is very delicious. I basically used The Pioneer Woman's recipe here, and the cheesy sauce was super super tasty. But you know me; I'm always adding extra "goodies" into meals like this. I wanted to keep the deep orange color of the extra sharp cheddar cheese I used, so I threw in steamed chopped Indian squash and steamed shredded yellow carrots and yellow cauliflower. I was going to add some broccoli (and I did add a little before I changed my mind) but I think it looks more stunning all in orange. You could certainly add broccoli into the mac if you chose. But this mac & cheese is so good that you could even add the broccoli separately, like I did for their dinner, and they'll eat it totally undisguised. I also added Soyrizo, which I like to do in mac and cheese because I think it adds a little kick. The first time I did this I was afraid the kids would balk, but the trick is to not mention it and they'll never notice. I added a whole "link" this time and they loved it.
I also packed a side bento box with broccoli, grapes, strawberry, mini Fuji apple and chopped blood oranges. Oh, and two carrot lovebirds sitting in the tree ^_^

18 comments:

  1. hmm... i bet every kids love your macaroni bento.. it looks so appetizing..

    love that cute broccoli tree too

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  2. love the carrot lovebirds... ;b
    mac and cheese is always well appreciated in our house he he he

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  3. I'm a fans of mac and cheese..yours looks so delicious. :)

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  4. what kind of box is the little fruit container? it's a great size. cute tree and birds!

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  5. Thanks Yenny; no one can resist cheesy mac. It's perfect!
    Thanks mama elaine. It's a great recipe, and really simple to do.
    bunny, it's from Japanese Tokyo Lifestyle. I like the red handles and the clear box and lid. It's perfect as a side box. Thanks!

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  6. That looks so good, I love homemade mac & cheese!

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  7. Thanks Shannon! Me too, and glad the kids agree :)

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  8. I SO need to try a thermal. You make it look so easy and delicious.

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  9. It looks yummy with this orange color and it really is a good idea to add vegetables in it. I will try that!

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  10. OMG, that close-up of the mac&cheese is killer! I want to "dig" in!
    I liked the birds!! New cutter? Plastic or metallic? AW, so love-spring looking!!

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  11. I was just dreaming about mac and cheese yesterday. Sigh... this looks so yummy, and I love the side bento.

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  12. This is one of the Keikster's fave meal in the whole wide world!! Looks incredible!

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  13. The little lovebirds are precious! What a great idea to use a thermal bento for Mac 'n' cheese. I must have the only child in the country that won't eat Mac 'n 'cheese. Oh well, more for me!

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  14. The tree pick is so cute! I love it.

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  15. Debra, hope to see yours soon :) Thanks!
    Thanks pipaw!
    Karaimame, those are plastic Daiso cutters that came in an animal pack. Thanks :)
    Thanks Sonoma Bento!
    Thanks Chantale; me too!
    Thanks Natakiya. Really? I didn't like it when I was younger either. She must have more sophisticated tastes!
    Thanks Laura Alison!

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  16. That looks delicious - such a great idea to add the veggies - cauliflower and cheese is a tasty combination!

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