Author Archives: eclecticlamb

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Hasselback Potato Dinner

Mom and I prepared a delicious dinner for the family, featuring perfectly cooked Hasselback potatoes with crispy slices and a side of green bean gratin. This satisfying combination made for a delightful meal enjoyed by Mom, Dad, and myself. Hasselback … Continue reading

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New Years Eve Party 2026

My parents and I enjoyed a special meal on New Year’s Eve. We were a party of three. Many years ago, a young nephew was disappointed that only ten people came to his birthday party—but it’s all relative. His immediate … Continue reading

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Happy New Year 2026

Happy New Year! I made this festive meal for myself. 2026 – Beets cut with cookie cutters, spinach leaves, goat cheese, toasted walnuts

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Favorite Not in a Box Posts 2025

I have a tradition each year to share my top boxed lunches for the year. Sometimes when I have others that I want to highlight, I also feature non-boxed meals in their own post. This year, is one of those years. ON … Continue reading

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Top 10 Bento 2025

Changes at work this year were challenging and impacted the amount of effort I put into this hobby. I am glad that I still found time to create. Here are my Top 10 Lunches from 2025! Hippo Bread Shark Mashed … Continue reading

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Christmas 2025

My Niece joined my parents and me for Christmas. Below are the menus and some photos from our time together. DINNER MONDAY DECEMBER 22 (no photos of Mac & Cheese dinner because everyone was excited to be together and focused on … Continue reading

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Festive Red and White Candy Cane Dinner

This year’s Christmas meal theme was Candy Cane (Red and White). As usual, we all had assigned dishes to make. The four-course dinner included festive dishes for six people. Mom, Dad, Kathy, Niece, and Mike enjoyed it in person. Carol … Continue reading

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Family Gingerbread Houses from Kits

This year, between Thanksgiving and Christmas, I facilitated family gingerbread-decorating sessions. To prepare, my mom and I went a little overboard buying a variety of gingerbread kits. I would have made the horses and stable, but many of the pieces … Continue reading

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Christmas Cookies 2025

This year, we have 6 different types of cookies on the official cookie tray. Each cookie was made with family involvement, reflecting nostalgic recipes and new experiments, showcasing a blend of tradition and creativity in baking. Frosted Sugar Cut-Outs – … Continue reading

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King Arthur Gingerbread Houses

I like to have a gingerbread house on my dining room buffet as holiday / winter decoration. This year I used an easy cookie cutter set from King Arthur Baking Company to make 3 mini houses. They made a whimsical … Continue reading

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Traditional Christmas Breakfast 2025

This year I made our traditional Christmas breakfast on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. My brother and wife were with us for Thanksgiving and enjoy our tradition. My niece will be with us on the actual Christmas day this year. We … Continue reading

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Gingerbread Man Dinner Party

Last weekend, I hosted a Gingerbread Man–themed dinner party that felt a bit like stepping into a sugary fairy tale. My parents, Carol, my former co‑worker Rob, his wife Beth, and me, all gathered around a table transformed into a … Continue reading

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2025 Gingerbread Sweet Creations

This is my seventh year (non-consecutive) creating a gingerbread creation for the Eastman Museum, and it’s still one of my favorite traditions. I love being part of the show, and I usually make many visits with friends and family to … Continue reading

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Irish Cottage Gingerbread House

This year marked my seventh (non-consecutive) year creating gingerbread for Sweet Creations at the Eastman Museum. I designed this piece with Irish architecture in mind, so I think of it as an Irish cottage. Since a snowy Christmas isn’t typical … Continue reading

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Vegetarian Thanksgiving 2025

This year, my Mom and I hosted Thanksgiving in my home. There were 7 of us: Mom, Dad, Carol, Andy, Kerry, Rob, and me. The meal featured individual cornucopia charcuterie, poached stuffed pears, vegetable Wellington, and traditional pies, creating a … Continue reading

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Creative Ways to Use Pumpkin: From Mashed Potatoes to Pudding

My mom and I made this meal together, and it turned out as fun to create as it was to eat. We were especially charmed by the little pumpkin shapes—so cute! For our tastes, though, we’d skip the nutritional yeast … Continue reading

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Polenta Unicorn

Today’s lunch is a simple yet vibrant take on polenta. I enjoyed this easy-to-make unicorn themed meal. Container: EasyLunchBoxes Left Side:  Unicorn – Polenta made with water and cornmeal (stir 1 cup cornmeal into 2 cups of water, heat at medium-low heat … Continue reading

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Halloween Treats 2025

My parents joined me this year for Halloween at my house. We each carved a pumpkin (in the photo above, from left to right: Kathy, Dad, and Mom). We had an easy and delicious dinner with mostly purchased items from … Continue reading

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Spider Themed Dinner

Carol and I enjoyed a fun spider-themed dinner — it’s a great way to add some creativity and excitement to the year! Mashed Potato Spider Web – Homemade mashed potatoes with fresh garlic sautéed in some butter, sour cream, 1/2 … Continue reading

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Polenta Sheep

I had so much fun putting together this easy, sheep-themed lunch—it’s simple to make, super cute, and sure to bring a smile to the table! Container: EasyLunchBoxes Left Side:  Sheep – polenta made with water and cornmeal (stir 1 cup cornmeal into … Continue reading

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Turtle Themed Food Collection

Here is my turtle shaped food collection! VEGETABLE Cucumber Turtles CHEESE Cheese with Food Marker Details Turtle MASHED POTATO Mashed Potato Shape with Cheese Details Turtle BREAD Bread with Chocolate Details Turtle Bread Turtle Soft Pretzel Turtle Broccoli Cheese Pizza … Continue reading

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Homemade Bagel Breakfast

The same day we celebrated my Dad’s birthday, I made a bagel breakfast for the family. It is my specialty to make mini bagels. I often say I could do it in my sleep, but it is not necessary since … Continue reading

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Oak Leaf Polenta Lunch

I made this simple meal for lunch on a day I had to go into the office. Container: EasyLunchBoxes Left Side:  Oak Leaf – polenta made with water and cornmeal (stir 1 cup cornmeal into 2 cups of water, heat at medium-low … Continue reading

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Dad’s 82 Birthday

Today is my Dad’s birthday. Over Labor Day weekend, we celebrated his birthday at my parent’s Lake House. Andy and Kerry joined us. When I asked my Dad what he wanted for the meal this year, he said, the “Peach … Continue reading

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Gnome Tortellini

I made this gnome themed tortellini lunch for myself. My entire tortellini collection is here. Container: Book Bento Box Left Side: Gnome – Cheddar cheese cut with a cookie cutter, Spinach tortellini with Garlic Butter Sauce Right Side: Marcona Almonds

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Nutella Bread Bear

My 23 year old niece and I made this simple lunch for her at my parents Lake House. Bear – Shaped bread (no cheese) with chocolate chip details, cherries, carrots

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Firefly Meal

Without the title, I suppose no one would quite understand what this is meant to be. I made it for myself, as a quiet tribute to the numerous fireflies that lit up this summer. Their soft glow in my backyard … Continue reading

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Fresh Zucchini and Tomato Salad Recipe

I made this for dinner when my parents came to visit, and it turned out to be a standout meal. The bright lemon brought the zucchini to life, while the minced garlic melted into the butter, adding rich, savory depth. … Continue reading

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Sheep / Lamb Themed Food Collection

Over the years, I have created many food items in the shape of sheep and lambs. Here is my collection! VEGETABLE Daikon (Japanese Radish) Sheep Roasted Potato Sheep Spinach Sheep Purple Carrot Sheep Radish Sheep POTATO Mashed Potato Sheep Twice … Continue reading

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Cauliflower Salad Watermelon Tower Dinner

I made this delicious and attractive meal for my parents and myself when they visited me. I wasn’t sure at first about the Roasted Cauliflower Salad, but as I ate it, I grew to like it more. We all enjoyed … Continue reading

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Watermelon Octopus

I made this as part of my Mom’s breakfast. She enjoyed this cute and tasty meal. Octopus: Watermelon cut with a cookie cutter, cottage cheese

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Dragonfly Tortilla Chips

I made this snack lunch to take to work. Container: EasyLunchBoxes Left Side: Dragonflies – Corn tortilla cut with a cookie cutter brushed with olive oil and baked at 350 for 10 minutes until brown, radish Top Right: Hummus Bottom Right: Blueberries Not in … Continue reading

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Mermaid Tortellini

I made this mermaid themed tortellini lunch for my Dad. My entire tortellini collection is here. Container: Prep Natural Glass Meal Containers Left Side: Mermaid – Cheddar cheese cut with a cookie cutter, Spinach tortellini with Garlic Butter Sauce, peas Right Side: Blueberries

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14 Year Blogiversary

14 Years! To say I enjoy the process of planning and executing ideas might be an understatement. Creating for this space has given me a steady productive outlet—one that’s kept my hands busy and my mind even busier for over … Continue reading

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Melbourne Florida 2025

I have a tradition that when I return from travel, I select a photo from the trip and create food inspired by the photo. In late June, I went on a business trip to Florida for 3 nights, 4 days. … Continue reading

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Cat Tortellini

I made this cat themed tortellini lunch for my Mom since she likes cats. My entire tortellini collection is here. Container: Prep Natural Glass Meal Containers Left Side: Cat – Cheddar cheese cut with a cookie cutter, Spinach tortellini with Garlic Butter Sauce … Continue reading

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Avocado Quesadilla Cucumber Soup Lunch

I made this simple lunch for my parents and me. The food was great and we can’t stop talking about it. Cheddar and Avocado Quesadilla: I mashed an avocado with some fresh lime juice and salt. I used Trader Joe’s … Continue reading

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House Vegetable Potato Salad

I made this meal for my Dad. Today, my parents sold my childhood home where they lived for over 52 years (when they weren’t at their summer Lake House). My Mom never seemed to like the house. Her childhood home … Continue reading

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Red White Blue Taco Dinner

We celebrated the 4th of July at my house this year. There were 6 of us – Mom, Dad, Carol, Renae, Jeff, and I all enjoyed a simple themed meal of Tacos and Cheesecake Cups. My Mom made the themed … Continue reading

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Pesto USA Rice Meal

I made this patriotic themed meal for myself. Here is my collection of other USA / Patriotic themed food. Container: EasyLunchBoxes Left Side: USA Country Shape – Cooked Nishiki rice pressed into a cookie cutter with plastic wrap, pesto, tomato sauce Top … Continue reading

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Cantaloupe and Chocolate Fish

I made this for breakfast. It was a fun meal. Fish – Cantaloupe cut with a cookie cutter, melted chocolate details Blue Background – Cottage cheese with butterfly pea flower powder

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Corn Tortilla Chips Fish Lunch

I made this snack lunch to take to work. Container: EasyLunchBoxes Left Side: Fish – Corn tortilla cut with with a cookie cutter brushed with olive oil and baked at 350 for 10 minutes until brown, Hummus Top Right: Fish – Carrots cut … Continue reading

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Monarch Cantaloupe

I made this for breakfast. It was a delight to eat. Monarch Butterflies – Cantaloupe cut with a cookie cutter, melted chocolate details Green Background – Cottage cheese with matcha powder

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Leaf Snack Box Lunch

I made this snack box meal to take to work. Container: ELB Snack Boxes Contents: Hummus, leaf carrots cut with a cookie cutter, broccoli, Honey Roasted Pistachio nuts, corn tortilla cut with with a leaf cookie cutter brushed with oil and … Continue reading

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Ratatouille Crepes Dinner

A little while ago, when Carol and I were making dinner plans we discussed what we wanted to eat. Carol wanted eggplant and I wanted crepes (we missed having them at Easter). Our combination resulted in my adding eggplant to … Continue reading

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Pesto Turtle Rice

I made this unusual looking turtle meal for myself. It tasted better than it looks. Container: Prep Natural Glass Meal Containers Top: Green Grapes, Edamame, sliced almonds Bottom: Turtle – Cooked Nishiki rice pressed into a cookie cutter with plastic wrap, pesto, … Continue reading

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Cute Themed Pancake Collection

Over the years of my sharing here, I made many themed pancake meals – often for special younger people in my life. Here is my collection. ANIMALS Camels Pancakes Camel Pancake Kangaroo Pancake Groundhog Pancake Sloth Pancake Squirrels with Peach … Continue reading

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Summer Dresses Tortellini

As people who know me are aware, I don’t like wearing pants. Each year I celebrate when the weather is warm enough to switch to almost exclusively wearing summer dresses. Mid to end of May is when it is usually … Continue reading

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Lobster Polenta

I made this easy lobster polenta themed lunch for my Dad. Container: EasyLunchBoxes Left Side: Lobster – Polenta cut with a cookie cutter, tomato sauce, peas Top Right: Blueberries Bottom Right: Sliced radish

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Pesto Rice Frog Meal

I made this simple and fun meal for myself. Container: EasyLunchBoxes Left Side: Frog – Cooked Nishiki rice pressed into a cookie cutter with plastic wrap, pesto, dried blueberry eyes, tomato sauce Top Right: Top Seedz Roasted Seeds with Sea Salt – Sunflower … Continue reading

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