Author Archives: eclecticlamb

Unknown's avatar

About eclecticlamb

https://eclecticlamb.com/

Christmas Cookies 2023

I haven’t posted a yearly cookie tray since 2015. In the years since, I often made at least one type of cookie (usually a cut-out sugar cookie). This year, I will make cut-out sugar cookies with my niece. Last year … Continue reading

Posted in Bento / Cute Food, Food | Comments Off on Christmas Cookies 2023

Pink Gingerbread House

This year because I was busy on a special project at work, I was unable to make gingerbread in time for the Eastman Museum (they need it in the beginning of November) but I was able to make a small … Continue reading

Posted in Bento / Cute Food, Crafts, Food | Comments Off on Pink Gingerbread House

Christmas Themed Food

Merry Christmas! Here is my collection of Christmas themed meals. Updated: 12/27/25 THEMED CHRISTMAS MEALS 7 Continents Dinner (2018) 12 Days of Christmas (2021) Carol of the Bells (2020) Dumplings Around the World (2013) Dumplings Around the World (2024) White Themed Christmas … Continue reading

Posted in Bento / Cute Food, Food | Comments Off on Christmas Themed Food

Santa Cheese Green Pasta

I made this festive lunch for myself. It was a delight to eat! Glass Container with Lid Santa: Cheddar cheese cut with a cookie cutter, food coloring marker details, Green Goddess Ricotta Pasta, cherry tomatoes

Posted in Bento / Cute Food, Food | Comments Off on Santa Cheese Green Pasta

Pineapple Angels with Cottage Cheese

I made this cute breakfast for my Mom. Glass Container with Lid Angels: Pineapple cut with a cookie cutter, cottage cheese, cinnamon, mixed nuts

Posted in Bento / Cute Food, Food | Comments Off on Pineapple Angels with Cottage Cheese

Pesto Polenta Holly Meal

I made this fun pesto polenta holly themed meal for myself. Container: EasyLunchBoxes Left Side: Holly – Polenta cut with a cookie cutter, homemade pesto, cucumber skin, cherry tomatoes, cheddar mashed cauliflower Top Right: Holly – Melon cut with a cookie cutter, dried cranberries … Continue reading

Posted in Bento / Cute Food, Food | Comments Off on Pesto Polenta Holly Meal

5 Year Friendiversary Dinner

My friend Deborah and I celebrated our 5 year friendiversary with a dinner at my home. I made the tart and salad. I would make both again! The small tarts were fun and delicious and the Almond Lime dressing was … Continue reading

Posted in Bento / Cute Food, Food, Party Planning | Comments Off on 5 Year Friendiversary Dinner

Vegetarian Thanksgiving 2023

My Mom and I prepared a Vegetarian Thanksgiving this year in Delmar, NY. My friend Carol and I drove the 3.5 hours to the Albany, NY area on the morning of Thanksgiving. My brother and his wife were supposed to … Continue reading

Posted in Food, Party Planning | Comments Off on Vegetarian Thanksgiving 2023

Thanksgiving Collection

Happy Thanksgiving! Here is my collection of Thanksgiving themed meals. Updated: 11/30/25 TURKEY Sweet Potato Cheese Turkeys Vegetable and Olive Turkey Hand Pie Turkey Quesadilla and Apple Turkey Polenta and Cheese Turkey Quesadilla Turkey Bread Turkey Mini Bell Pepper Turkey … Continue reading

Posted in Bento / Cute Food, Food | Comments Off on Thanksgiving Collection

Turkey Rice

While preparing my Thanksgiving collection to share next week, I noticed I had never made a rice turkey. The lack of a rice shaped turkeys inspired this meal I made for myself. Container: EasyLunchBoxes Left Side: Turkey – Nishiki rice shaped in … Continue reading

Posted in Bento / Cute Food, Food | Comments Off on Turkey Rice

Cabbage Steaks Dinner

In my quest to try more vegetable forward meals, my parents and I tried roasted cabbage steaks for dinner. We served it with a lemon and maple ricotta. It was something different and we would have it again but the … Continue reading

Posted in Food | Comments Off on Cabbage Steaks Dinner

Hurricane Mashed Potato

I made this Hurricane themed mashed potato lunch for my Dad. He enjoys weather so I often make weather themed food for him. Container: EasyLunchBoxes Left Side: Hurricane – Mashed potatoes with garlic and cheddar cut with a cookie cutter, black olive, … Continue reading

Posted in Bento / Cute Food, Food | Comments Off on Hurricane Mashed Potato

Butternut Squash Gratin Dinner

I made this dinner when my parents visited in October. The salad went well with the gratin. The Butternut Squash Gratin was delicious and I expect to make this meal again. Spinach Salad with apple, toasted pecans and a simple … Continue reading

Posted in Food | Comments Off on Butternut Squash Gratin Dinner

Completed Decorating House Celebration

In less than 2 years, I completed renovating / decorating all the rooms in my house. I am proud of the work my parents and I did. To celebrate I hosted a small open-house style housewarming. I never thought of … Continue reading

Posted in Home Deco, Party Planning | Comments Off on Completed Decorating House Celebration

Halloween Treats 2023

My parents joined me this year for Halloween at my house. We each carved a pumpkin (in the photo above from left to right to right – Mom, Kathy, Dad). Dad made pizza with a face for dinner. I put … Continue reading

Posted in Adventures | Comments Off on Halloween Treats 2023

Twice Baked Potato Jack-O-Lantern Dinner

I made this dinner for my parents and myself. It was an easy make ahead dinner. I prepared it the night before. When I wanted to serve it, I only had to reheat. Twice Baked Potato Jack-O-Lantern – cut baked … Continue reading

Posted in Bento / Cute Food, Food | Comments Off on Twice Baked Potato Jack-O-Lantern Dinner

Bat Mashed Potato with Mole Sauce

This is supposed to be a bat. I think it does not look like one because I have the eyes in the wrong place. I made this for a night I had Carol over for individual themed dinners. Container: EasyLunchBoxes Left … Continue reading

Posted in Bento / Cute Food, Food | Comments Off on Bat Mashed Potato with Mole Sauce

Candy Corn Pizza

I made this Candy Corn themed meal for my Mom. She enjoyed it! Container: EasyLunchBoxes Left Side: Candy Corn – Pizza with mozzarella, cheddar, and gouda Top Right: Candy Corn – Carrots, radish, and bell pepper cut into triangles, hummus Bottom Right: Fruit – … Continue reading

Posted in Bento / Cute Food, Food | Comments Off on Candy Corn Pizza

Spiderweb Rice

I made this festive meal for myself. Container: EasyLunchBoxes Left Side: Spiderweb – Nishiki rice shaped in a cookie cutter with plastic wrap, Black beans and salsa mixed in a food processor and then piped with a zip lock bag, black beans, … Continue reading

Posted in Bento / Cute Food, Food | Comments Off on Spiderweb Rice

First and Second Floor Hallways

Today I am revealing my renovated hallways. I am happy with the end results and am glad it is finally done. The last item was the carpet runner for the stairs. FIRST FLOOR HALLWAY Switch Plates and Outlet Covers: English … Continue reading

Posted in Home Deco | Comments Off on First and Second Floor Hallways

Fall Dining Room Stuffed Butternut Squash

Once again, my dining room is decorated for fall. This year, I added a garland. I love having holiday decorations I can bring out each year! Stuffed Mini Roasted Butternut Squash – with rice, apple, pecans Roasted Broccoli with Asiago

Posted in Food, Home Deco | Comments Off on Fall Dining Room Stuffed Butternut Squash

Japanese Culture Collection

Over the years, I created many Japanese culture themed food. Here is my collection! Updated 8/4/24. SHRINE Gingerbread Shrine and Garden Red Bell Pepper and Tortilla Tokyo Pagoda Polenta Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion) WAGASHI (TRADITIONAL JAPANESE SWEETS) Mashed Potato and Strawberry … Continue reading

Posted in Bento / Cute Food, Food | Comments Off on Japanese Culture Collection

Kangaroo Polenta

I made this cute and simple Kangaroo meal for myself. Container: U Konserve Contents: Kangaroo – Polenta cut with a cookie cutter, Eye – cinnamon attached with a moistened toothpick, assorted lettuce leaves, macadamia nuts, blackberries

Posted in Bento / Cute Food, Food | Comments Off on Kangaroo Polenta

Butternut Squash Steaks with Ricotta Spinach

I made this dinner for myself. It was my first time making butternut squash steaks. I enjoyed it and expect to make other versions in my future. Butternut Squash Steaks with almonds Ricotta Spinach – Fresh spinach leaves finely cut … Continue reading

Posted in Food, Uncategorized | Comments Off on Butternut Squash Steaks with Ricotta Spinach

Constellation Meal

I made mole sauce with mashed potatoes on a night that I also made a themed meal for my friend Carol. Since Carol does not like spicy food, I made a mild version of mole. It was good and added … Continue reading

Posted in Bento / Cute Food, Food | Comments Off on Constellation Meal

Fairy Polenta

I made this fun and colorful lunch for myself. Container: EasyLunchBoxes Left Side: Fairy – Polenta cut with a cookie cutter, Eyes – cinnamon attached with a toothpick, Mouth – red food coloring marker, Wand – pretzel stick with Star – cheese … Continue reading

Posted in Bento / Cute Food, Food | Comments Off on Fairy Polenta

Blue Cheese Onion Marmalade Sandwich

I made this because of my goal this year to explore flavor. It was something different to try but I don’t expect a lot of onion marmalade to be in my future. Ciabatta Onion Marmalade – I used red onion, … Continue reading

Posted in Food | Comments Off on Blue Cheese Onion Marmalade Sandwich

Alligator Pesto Rice Lunch

I made this fun meal for myself. Container: U Konserve Contents: Alligators – Nishiki rice pressed into a cookie cutter with plastic wrap, homemade pesto Eyes – Dried blueberries, cherry tomato, roasted green beans, almonds

Posted in Bento / Cute Food, Food | Comments Off on Alligator Pesto Rice Lunch

Basement Storage Room

This is my basement storage room. I did not plan to reveal it here but I had several requests from people who knew I worked on it. From July to August, I spent a lot of time working in this … Continue reading

Posted in Home Deco | Comments Off on Basement Storage Room

Squirrel Cheese over Blueberry Salad

I made this squirrel themed meal for my Dad at the Lake House. We decided that we would not make the Blueberry salad again. It was not special enough. Container: EasyLunchBoxes Left Side: Squirrel – Cheddar cheese cut with a cookie cutter, … Continue reading

Posted in Bento / Cute Food, Food | Comments Off on Squirrel Cheese over Blueberry Salad

Apple Tree Lunch

I made this lunch for myself as an addition to my Fall / Autumn collection. Container: Prep Natural Glass Meal Containers Left Side: Apple Tree – Cooked Nishiki rice pressed into a cookie cutter with plastic wrap, Top of Tree – homemade … Continue reading

Posted in Bento / Cute Food, Food | Comments Off on Apple Tree Lunch

Dad’s 80th Birthday

Today is my Dad’s birthday. Over Labor Day weekend we celebrated my Dad’s birthday at my parent’s Lake House. My brother and sister-in-law celebrated with us. Our celebration included the birthday breakfast he requested (part of my traditional Christmas breakfast) … Continue reading

Posted in Food, Party Planning | Comments Off on Dad’s 80th Birthday

Blue and White Home Library

Here is my blue and white themed home library. My parents and I did a lot of work in this room. It took longer to complete than other rooms since I needed to wait for the carpenter to build the … Continue reading

Posted in Home Deco | Comments Off on Blue and White Home Library

Tomato Gratin Lunch

My parents and I had this lunch at their lake house. My Mom made the Tomato Gratin, she based it on this recipe but assembled it on large tomatoes and added mozzarella cheese. They were delicious! We served with mixed … Continue reading

Posted in Food | Comments Off on Tomato Gratin Lunch

Mushroom Rice

My niece made this while we were at my parents Lake House. Container: Wooden box purchased in Kyoto at Bento&co. Contents: Mushroom rice, broccoli, Bear & Snail – radish cut with a cookie cutter, mushrooms

Posted in Bento / Cute Food, Food | Comments Off on Mushroom Rice

Cute Rice Onigiri Collection

I enjoy making themed rice meals. Here is my collection! Updated: 8/13/24 BIRDS Parrot Pesto Rice Cardinal Salsa Rice Penguin Rice Dove Cheese Rice Hummingbird Pesto Rice Bird Salsa Rice Eagle Rice Owl Rice Chick Cheese Rice Swan Brie Rice … Continue reading

Posted in Bento / Cute Food, Food | Comments Off on Cute Rice Onigiri Collection

Dirty Martini Pasta for Dinner

When my parents were here, one night I made Dirty Martini Pasta. My maternal Grandpa drank martinis so I thought it would be a fun meal to make and explore flavor. I miss him sometimes. I used Lemon Vodka. I … Continue reading

Posted in Food | Comments Off on Dirty Martini Pasta for Dinner

Coconut Lettuce Tomato Sandwich Lunch

As part of my yearly goal to explore flavor, I made the vegan version of BLT’s. In 2019, I ate coconut, tomato, and lettuce sandwiches at a restaurant. I loved it, especially the coconut bacon. The restaurant where I had … Continue reading

Posted in Food | Comments Off on Coconut Lettuce Tomato Sandwich Lunch

Flower Rice Lunch

I made this meal for myself on a day that I made similar meals for friends and family. Container: EasyLunchBoxes Left Side: Flowers – Nishiki rice shaped in a rice mold, tomato sauce, homemade pesto, cherry tomatoes, lettuce Top Right: Peanuts Bottom Right: Raspberries and … Continue reading

Posted in Bento / Cute Food, Food | Comments Off on Flower Rice Lunch

Birthday Dessert Party

This year for my birthday I decided to host a dessert party with my parents and friends. 6 of us were available to gather for the occasion. I enjoyed making 4 different individual desserts. I expect that there will be … Continue reading

Posted in Bento / Cute Food, Food, Party Planning | Comments Off on Birthday Dessert Party

Hummingbird Rice

I made this lunch for my Mom when at my parents Lake House. We enjoy watching the many hummingbirds that use the feeders and flowers on the front deck. Container: U Konserve Contents: Hummingbird – Nishiki rice shaped in a cookie cutter … Continue reading

Posted in Bento / Cute Food, Food | Comments Off on Hummingbird Rice

Fish Snack Lunch

I made this lunch for Takeshi to have in my car when I drove with Yuko and Takeshi to my parents Lake House for the weekend. Container: ELB Snack Boxes Contents: 

Posted in Bento / Cute Food, Food, Uncategorized | Comments Off on Fish Snack Lunch

Tornado Rice Lunch

I made this simple Tornado themed lunch for my Dad. Nobody knew it was supposed to be a tornado. My Mom thought it was an upside down sail boat. Container: EasyLunchBoxes Left Side: Tornado – Nishiki rice shaped in a cookie cutter … Continue reading

Posted in Bento / Cute Food, Food | Comments Off on Tornado Rice Lunch

Japan Summer Festival Bento

When I asked my friend Yuko what theme lunch she wanted she said, “Summer Festival“. I represented goldfish, fireworks, and the characters for “Summer Festival”. Container: Cloud box from Japan (set of 3) Top Box: NatsuMatsuri – Summer Festival – carrots cut … Continue reading

Posted in Bento / Cute Food, Food | Comments Off on Japan Summer Festival Bento

Butterfly Lunch for the Car

I made this simple Butterfly themed snack lunch for my friend Yuko on a day we drove from Rochester to my parents Lake House. Container: ELB Snack Boxes Contents: 

Posted in Bento / Cute Food, Food, Uncategorized | Comments Off on Butterfly Lunch for the Car

Dog Ravioli Dinner

After spending the weekend at the Lake House with Yuko and Takeshi, I was happy to host them overnight at my house. I made us a simple make ahead ravioli dinner. Of course I wanted to make it cute. Yuko … Continue reading

Posted in Bento / Cute Food, Food | Comments Off on Dog Ravioli Dinner

Rice Train Lunch

I made this lunch for my friend’s husband Takeshi. They visited me and my parents and we all had themed lunches at my parents Lake House. Container: EasyLunchBoxes Top: Train – Nishiki rice shaped in a cookie cutter with plastic wrap, … Continue reading

Posted in Bento / Cute Food, Food | Comments Off on Rice Train Lunch

Elephant Vegetable Potato Salad

I made this meal for myself on a night when I made a similar meal for Carol. It was a refreshing meal on a warm summer evening. Container: EasyLunchBoxes Left Side: Elephants – Havarti Dill with smoked paprika details, bell pepper, blue … Continue reading

Posted in Bento / Cute Food, Food | Tagged | Comments Off on Elephant Vegetable Potato Salad

Parrot Rice

I made this meal for myself. I am surprised that this is only my second parrot lunch. When I was a child, my imaginary friend was a parrot. Container: Book Bento Box Contents: Parrot – Niishiki rice shaped with plastic wrap and … Continue reading

Posted in Bento / Cute Food, Food | Comments Off on Parrot Rice

Planet Peanut Noodles

I made this simple but fun meal for myself to add to my Space collection. Container: Prep Natural Glass Meal Containers Left Side: Planet – Sweet Potato cut with a cookie cutter, roasted, peanut noodles Right Side: Stars – Carrots and cucumbers … Continue reading

Posted in Bento / Cute Food, Food | Comments Off on Planet Peanut Noodles