Using Bento Boxes for lunches.

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Replies

  • madiao
    madiao Posts: 119 Member
    @mrron2u sure! This is just for the broth, add toppings of your choice!

    1.5kg pig trotters, split lengthwise or cut crosswise into 1-inch disks (as your butcher to do this for you)
    900g chicken backs and carcasses, skin and excess fat removed
    500g chicken feet
    2 tablespoons vegetable oil
    1 large onion, skin on, roughly chopped
    12 garlic cloves
    One 3-inch knob ginger, cut to 2
    2 whole leeks, washed and roughly chopped
    2 dozen scallions, white parts only (reserve greens and light green parts for garnishing finished soup)
    200g whole fresh shitake mushrooms or mushroom scraps
    200g slab pork fat

    Put trotter, carcass and chicken feet in a big pot. Fill with cold water and bring to a boil (takes a while) Once it comes to a boil, drain everything into the sink and wash with cold water. Wash and remove the dark brown stuffs (blood, marrow, organs) and drain them.
    Meanwhile, in a pan, pour oil and pan fry onion, ginger and garlic till almost burnt. Set them aside.
    Once they are clean, put them back into the pot, add leeks, scallion, ginger, onion, garlic, mushroom and pork fat. Fill up the pot with water, till it covers everything.
    Bring to a rolling boil over high heat, skimming off any scum that appears (this should stop appearing within the first 20 minutes or so). Use a clean sponge or moist paper towels to wipe and black or gray scum off from around the rim of the pot. Reduce heat to a bare simmer and place a heavy lid on top.
    Check occasionaly if you need to add any water (I may have added just about 500ml throughout the whole process)
    At about 3-4 hours down, check on the slab of pork fat, it should be tender. Remove and mince it with your knife, imagine cutting into jelly. Set that aside till ready to use, if using.
    Let it boil for another couple of hours. I boiled mine for 12 hours. Then strain the broth into a clean pot, squeeze juices from bones and leftover meat.


    Tomorrow's bento is braised beef ribs, rice, carrots and broccoli

    jiw4r5m1i9h4.jpg
  • mrron2u
    mrron2u Posts: 919 Member
    @madiao - Thanks so much! I love that there are no noodles in yours (I actually hate noodles). Can't waiit to try cooking this one up!
  • piheart
    piheart Posts: 122 Member
    edited August 2015
    piheart wrote: »

    Oh, and have you tried PB2 in the greek yogurt? I like mixing PB2 in vanilla greek yogurt and using it as a fruit dip.

    Thanks for the suggestions!! Beans are a great source of protein, you're right I should incorporate those more. The only thing is it just takes so many calories of them to reach the protein goal I have for lunch! Maybe I just need more recipes... I will get looking!

    And, I have been trying to find PB2 forever but I don't think it's in stores where I'm at. Probably means it's time to buck up and order a bunch when it goes on sale on groupon again.

    PB2 is just peanut flour. Try in the flour section of your grocery store if you can't find actual PB2. I've also found peanut flour at Trader Joes if you have one of those nearby.

    Thanks!! I will definitely check it out. I do have a Trader Joe's and I'll look at my regular store.


    As for today's bento...

    Breakfast: Greek yogurt + cinnamon swirl protein powder + ground flaxseed (awesome!), apples, strawberries, waffle + syrup in the container, and maybe the best molded egg I've ever made on a bed of spinach! (372 cal)

    Lunch: Spinach, chicken salad w/feta and strawberries, balsamic reduction in the container, mini quiche, carrots + hummus bear, wheat thins and laughing cow (402 cal)

    dqufyj7a9ufk.jpg
  • sagj
    sagj Posts: 256 Member
    edited August 2015

    dqufyj7a9ufk.jpg
    [/quote]

    Can I join you for breakfast and lunch today? That looks awesome.

    No bento for me today. Working late + teacher's training = sad panda with no bento



    ulfqh2p7o5gy.jpg
  • piheart
    piheart Posts: 122 Member
    sagj wrote: »
    dqufyj7a9ufk.jpg

    Can I join you for breakfast and lunch today? That looks awesome.

    No bento for me today. Working late + teacher's training = sad panda with no bento



    ulfqh2p7o5gy.jpg
    [/quote]

    Awwww ): Yes come on over any time!! :D
  • Sandyslosenit
    Sandyslosenit Posts: 322 Member
    edited August 2015
    9lwdkvdbxtc4.jpg
    Another sad panda here too !!!! Forgot my Bento at home and had to eat what work catered-in - Subway. Nope , not good at all !!!!! Bland an boring ! I missed my soy egg shaped like a cute little bunny rabbit, I missed my beautiful, colorful spring rolls , I missed my savory fried quinoa !!! AND to think I used to go gaga over subway
  • TakingBackForever
    TakingBackForever Posts: 564 Member
    Because of this thread I wanted a bento so bad. So here is my first one.0vp3r6avcdfw.jpg
  • zira91
    zira91 Posts: 670 Member
    piheart wrote: »
    piheart wrote: »

    Oh, and have you tried PB2 in the greek yogurt? I like mixing PB2 in vanilla greek yogurt and using it as a fruit dip.

    Thanks for the suggestions!! Beans are a great source of protein, you're right I should incorporate those more. The only thing is it just takes so many calories of them to reach the protein goal I have for lunch! Maybe I just need more recipes... I will get looking!

    And, I have been trying to find PB2 forever but I don't think it's in stores where I'm at. Probably means it's time to buck up and order a bunch when it goes on sale on groupon again.

    PB2 is just peanut flour. Try in the flour section of your grocery store if you can't find actual PB2. I've also found peanut flour at Trader Joes if you have one of those nearby.

    Thanks!! I will definitely check it out. I do have a Trader Joe's and I'll look at my regular store.


    As for today's bento...

    Breakfast: Greek yogurt + cinnamon swirl protein powder + ground flaxseed (awesome!), apples, strawberries, waffle + syrup in the container, and maybe the best molded egg I've ever made on a bed of spinach! (372 cal)

    Lunch: Spinach, chicken salad w/feta and strawberries, balsamic reduction in the container, mini quiche, carrots + hummus bear, wheat thins and laughing cow (402 cal)

    dqufyj7a9ufk.jpg

    WOW!! ur bento look even more beautiful today!!! what is that beside ur apples slices? with the green rabbit pick on it..
  • zira91
    zira91 Posts: 670 Member
    im so envious to others that can eat their veges raw and they can eat so many veges.. because salad, is out if question for me.. :'(
  • piheart
    piheart Posts: 122 Member
    zira91 wrote: »
    piheart wrote: »
    piheart wrote: »

    Oh, and have you tried PB2 in the greek yogurt? I like mixing PB2 in vanilla greek yogurt and using it as a fruit dip.

    Thanks for the suggestions!! Beans are a great source of protein, you're right I should incorporate those more. The only thing is it just takes so many calories of them to reach the protein goal I have for lunch! Maybe I just need more recipes... I will get looking!

    And, I have been trying to find PB2 forever but I don't think it's in stores where I'm at. Probably means it's time to buck up and order a bunch when it goes on sale on groupon again.

    PB2 is just peanut flour. Try in the flour section of your grocery store if you can't find actual PB2. I've also found peanut flour at Trader Joes if you have one of those nearby.

    Thanks!! I will definitely check it out. I do have a Trader Joe's and I'll look at my regular store.


    As for today's bento...

    Breakfast: Greek yogurt + cinnamon swirl protein powder + ground flaxseed (awesome!), apples, strawberries, waffle + syrup in the container, and maybe the best molded egg I've ever made on a bed of spinach! (372 cal)

    Lunch: Spinach, chicken salad w/feta and strawberries, balsamic reduction in the container, mini quiche, carrots + hummus bear, wheat thins and laughing cow (402 cal)

    dqufyj7a9ufk.jpg

    WOW!! ur bento look even more beautiful today!!! what is that beside ur apples slices? with the green rabbit pick on it..

    That is my Greek yogurt creation! way better today than yesterday, just added a little cinnamon swirl flavored protein powder and some ground flaxseed. The texture is a little grainy with the flaxseed, but it helps with my fiber intake and I have a huge bag I really gotta use... lol
  • piheart
    piheart Posts: 122 Member
    Because of this thread I wanted a bento so bad. So here is my first one.0vp3r6avcdfw.jpg

    Lovely!! Really enjoying your strawberry flowers. looks delicious as well (:
  • SpecialKitty7
    SpecialKitty7 Posts: 678 Member
    Because of this thread I wanted a bento so bad. So here is my first one.0vp3r6avcdfw.jpg

    It looks awesome!
  • Narcissora
    Narcissora Posts: 197 Member
    zira91 wrote: »
    im so envious to others that can eat their veges raw and they can eat so many veges.. because salad, is out if question for me.. :'(

    I really dislike raw veggies too. However, try blanching them for like two minutes. It makes a world of difference for me! I blanch broccoli, bell pepper slices, carrot pieces, snap peas... The texture is better, the flavor pops, and I'm at the point where I don't even need to add salt to my blanched veggies any more. (That's a pretty amazing feat for me - I used to be the queen of salt).

    Heh, queen of salt...

    I did not mean this

    31rn5nvjy3qj.jpg
  • PixieGoddess
    PixieGoddess Posts: 1,833 Member
    Because of this thread I wanted a bento so bad. So here is my first one.0vp3r6avcdfw.jpg
    Welcome! Your first box looks so pretty and nummy!! . . . I can haz? #_#
  • PixieGoddess
    PixieGoddess Posts: 1,833 Member
    edited August 2015
    zira91 wrote: »
    im so envious to others that can eat their veges raw and they can eat so many veges.. because salad, is out if question for me.. :'(

    I had to try lots of different things to find what I can handle. For example, I hate the texture of raw carrots, but I can eat them if they're chopped matchstick style b/c then I'm not really chewing them much. I hate iceberg lettuce with a fiery passion, but I can eat the "spring mix" greens. I can snack on raw broccoli and cauliflower but hate them in a salad. And I still can't eat most veggies raw unless I have dressing or dip or something, which is why I often have cooked veggies and/or fruit instead.

    And then of course, I just remind myself that I need to eat my green food.
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hR1XzVQnfqY
  • piheart
    piheart Posts: 122 Member
    edited August 2015
    Today's bento!

    Breakfast: hard boiled egg on spinach, Greek yogurt + cookies n cream protein powder + unsweetened flaked coconut in the container (best combo yet!!!!), apples, blueberries (276 cal)

    Lunch: Sweet peas and hummus in the duck, mini quiche, laughing cow cheese, wheat thins, and some trader Joe's contemplates inner peas because I'm running out of supplies (443 cal)

    k1b2y8aa4edc.jpg


  • DawnEmbers
    DawnEmbers Posts: 2,451 Member

    Land Before Time! I need to watch those again.

    Veggies - I don't like many vegetables raw either. I won't eat peppers (red, green, yellow) or tomatoes at all raw cause eww. I prefer most veggies cooked though vary as I like green beans canned more than frozen, but I do like raw carrots. I like fresh cauliflower and broccoli cooked but frozen then cooked is okay. I envy people who can eat dairy all the time. I have to limit to one or two days a week because I have a mild allergy.

    Protein - There are some non-meat sources, for sure, though I do find it easier to reach my goals when I have chicken or seafood. Even some vegetables have protein. Peas and Brussels' sprouts are two good examples that help. I do use protein powder a few days a week but I have vegetable and beef ones (the beef is my new attempt cause I can't use the whey ones). It's a challenge at times and without meat even more but if you can have dairy that makes it easier too cause greek yogurt, cheese and such are helpful.


    Today's bento in includes: cooked broccoli, thin sliced beef, red bean paste parantha, babybel gouda and rice cakes. Broccoli was from frozen and I'm having a dairy day so I get to try the gouda (I was looking for sweet/heat feta but no luck, which is sad cause I love feta). The parantha is pretty good and I had some last night but it's 400 calories for a whole one, so I'll only eat half of one at a time. Not counting rockstar (strawberry & cream) the meal comes out to almost 500 calories this time.

    *picture isn't loading and i have to leave so might post after work*
  • Sandyslosenit
    Sandyslosenit Posts: 322 Member
    yrqfl8jblr1s.jpg
    My Bento for today ( yay , I didn't forget it !!!!) . Total of 720 cals.
    A Bottle of Kombucha
    Breakfast - soy teddy egg and brft biscuits.
    1st snack - cheese stick and nectarine
    Lunch - grilled chicken n squash, plus cucumbers.
    2nd snack - chocolate chip yudding !
  • irenehb
    irenehb Posts: 236 Member
    yrqfl8jblr1s.jpg
    chocolate chip yudding !

    Yudding? As in a pudding made with yogurt? Do you have a recipe?
    I love looking at all the yummy bento lunches. :smile:
    Sorry, I promise to post a picture one day.

  • DawnEmbers
    DawnEmbers Posts: 2,451 Member
    Picture attempt who knows how many...

    85ogoksjd7qs.jpg
  • zira91
    zira91 Posts: 670 Member
    Narcissora wrote: »
    zira91 wrote: »
    im so envious to others that can eat their veges raw and they can eat so many veges.. because salad, is out if question for me.. :'(

    I really dislike raw veggies too. However, try blanching them for like two minutes. It makes a world of difference for me! I blanch broccoli, bell pepper slices, carrot pieces, snap peas... The texture is better, the flavor pops, and I'm at the point where I don't even need to add salt to my blanched veggies any more. (That's a pretty amazing feat for me - I used to be the queen of salt).

    Heh, queen of salt...

    I did not mean this

    31rn5nvjy3qj.jpg

    usually i just stir fry or sauteed my veges... i guess ill try blanching my veges too after this.. i might like em! i guess 2 minute would do it then, as u've said.. (coz i never really get the hang on how many long should i blanch my veges).. Thanks!
    LOLXD that pic tho..
  • zira91
    zira91 Posts: 670 Member
    Because of this thread I wanted a bento so bad. So here is my first one.0vp3r6avcdfw.jpg

    Ur bento look gorgeous! especially that strawberry and the white chocolate chip ~ Yum..
  • Sandyslosenit
    Sandyslosenit Posts: 322 Member
    edited August 2015
    irenehb wrote: »

    Yudding? As in a pudding made with yogurt? Do you have a recipe?
    I love looking at all the yummy bento lunches. :smile:
    Sorry, I promise to post a picture one day.

    Yup ! It's so good. I take 1/2 cup fat free plain yogurt and add 10g of sugar free pudding, put it in my magic bullet and give it a whirl. Then add 5g of the mini chocolate chips. I also add different extracts and topping to change up the flavor.
    Mint, for mint chocolate chip
    Black Raspberry, then use just a drizzle of chocolate syrup.
    Use the sugar free cheesecake pudding then put fresh fruit on top , it taste like real cheesecake !!!
    The French Vanilla pudding with two of the wafers from the 100cal snack packs ( the ones that taste like Oreos) crushed on top - Cookies n cream !
    It's so good ! There's such a consistency difference between the yogurt and skim milk that I don't mind the 15 extra calories , it's so thick and creamy !!! AND did I say SOOO GOOOOD !
  • kristydi
    kristydi Posts: 781 Member
    irenehb wrote: »

    Yudding? As in a pudding made with yogurt? Do you have a recipe?
    I love looking at all the yummy bento lunches. :smile:
    Sorry, I promise to post a picture one day.

    Yup ! It's so good. I take 1/2 cup fat free plain yogurt and add 10g of sugar free pudding, put it in my magic bullet and give it a whirl. Then add 5g of the mini chocolate chips. I also add different extracts and topping to change up the flavor.
    Mint, for mint chocolate chip
    Black Raspberry, then use just a drizzle of chocolate syrup.
    Use the sugar free cheesecake pudding then put fresh fruit on top , it taste like real cheesecake !!!
    The French Vanilla pudding with two of the wafers from the 100cal snack packs ( the ones that taste like Oreos) crushed on top - Cookies n cream !
    It's so good ! There's such a consistency difference between the yogurt and skim milk that I don't mind the 15 extra calories , it's so thick and creamy !!! AND did I say SOOO GOOOOD !

    Ohhh, this sounds awesome. I will be trying this. Thanks!
  • Narcissora
    Narcissora Posts: 197 Member
    irenehb wrote: »

    Yudding? As in a pudding made with yogurt? Do you have a recipe?
    I love looking at all the yummy bento lunches. :smile:
    Sorry, I promise to post a picture one day.

    Yup ! It's so good. I take 1/2 cup fat free plain yogurt and add 10g of sugar free pudding, put it in my magic bullet and give it a whirl. Then add 5g of the mini chocolate chips. I also add different extracts and topping to change up the flavor.
    Mint, for mint chocolate chip
    Black Raspberry, then use just a drizzle of chocolate syrup.
    Use the sugar free cheesecake pudding then put fresh fruit on top , it taste like real cheesecake !!!
    The French Vanilla pudding with two of the wafers from the 100cal snack packs ( the ones that taste like Oreos) crushed on top - Cookies n cream !
    It's so good ! There's such a consistency difference between the yogurt and skim milk that I don't mind the 15 extra calories , it's so thick and creamy !!! AND did I say SOOO GOOOOD !

    I'm going to do this. Plan on seeing it in future bentos from me too.

    Also, I'm finally going to be not living out of a hotel room starting next week, so I will be making bentos again (hopefully). I won't have a job, but I will do some stay-at-home bentos.
  • PixieGoddess
    PixieGoddess Posts: 1,833 Member
    Yesterday there were several board meetings at my office, so I ended up eating various free foods (half-sammich, pickle spear, cookie, bag of chips) instead of my bento and thus I had yesterday's bento today:
    xhzxi5jlihrp.jpg
    Sesame fish, brown rice, mixed veggies, blueberries, and sweet cherries.
  • mangrothian
    mangrothian Posts: 1,351 Member
    Narcissora wrote: »
    irenehb wrote: »

    Yudding? As in a pudding made with yogurt? Do you have a recipe?
    I love looking at all the yummy bento lunches. :smile:
    Sorry, I promise to post a picture one day.

    Yup ! It's so good. I take 1/2 cup fat free plain yogurt and add 10g of sugar free pudding, put it in my magic bullet and give it a whirl. Then add 5g of the mini chocolate chips. I also add different extracts and topping to change up the flavor.
    Mint, for mint chocolate chip
    Black Raspberry, then use just a drizzle of chocolate syrup.
    Use the sugar free cheesecake pudding then put fresh fruit on top , it taste like real cheesecake !!!
    The French Vanilla pudding with two of the wafers from the 100cal snack packs ( the ones that taste like Oreos) crushed on top - Cookies n cream !
    It's so good ! There's such a consistency difference between the yogurt and skim milk that I don't mind the 15 extra calories , it's so thick and creamy !!! AND did I say SOOO GOOOOD !

    I'm going to do this. Plan on seeing it in future bentos from me too.

    Also, I'm finally going to be not living out of a hotel room starting next week, so I will be making bentos again (hopefully). I won't have a job, but I will do some stay-at-home bentos.

    I feel like the only person in this thread who's in love with plain greek yoghurt :( Granted, some brands taste like *kitten*, but the good ones taste great plain.
  • DawnEmbers
    DawnEmbers Posts: 2,451 Member
    I feel like the only person in this thread who's in love with plain greek yoghurt :( Granted, some brands taste like *kitten*, but the good ones taste great plain.

    I like plain greek yogurt, most kinds, but it doesn't like me. Pesky mild dairy allergy. *grumbles*
  • Sandyslosenit
    Sandyslosenit Posts: 322 Member
    wln4as8vhken.jpg
    No bento for me today , I was off. But the Bestie and I went to The World Market. I bought more than I should, but I got plunty for my bentos. Lol , moderation, moderation, moderation ! My new chant!
  • SpecialKitty7
    SpecialKitty7 Posts: 678 Member
    wln4as8vhken.jpg
    No bento for me today , I was off. But the Bestie and I went to The World Market. I bought more than I should, but I got plunty for my bentos. Lol , moderation, moderation, moderation ! My new chant!

    Hmmm, love Hello Panda! Never thought to look at World Market, I think there's still one of those nearby...runs off to check the maps :blush: