Category Archives: Bento / Cute Food

Elephant Rice

Posted on June 6, 2017 by eclecticlamb

I made this simple meal for myself. The elephant rice was easy to shape using this mold. Container: Book Bento Box Contents: Elephants (cooked Nishiki rice shaped using plastic rice mold), spinach details, carrots, broccoli, toasted sliced almonds

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Radish Sheep Salad Lunch

Posted on May 18, 2017 by eclecticlamb

I made this sheep themed salad for myself on a day that my niece and I went furniture shopping. We ate our lunches in my car. I used “daikon“, (Japanese radish) for the sheep. It is larger than typical radish … Continue reading →

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Butterfly Salad Lunch

Posted on May 16, 2017 by eclecticlamb

I made this salad for my niece on a day that she helped me go furniture shopping. We ate our bentos in the car between furniture stores. Container: EasyLunchBoxes Left Side: Butterflies – melon (cut with cookie cutters), raspberries, pistachio … Continue reading →

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Dog Bread for Lunch

Posted on May 11, 2017 by eclecticlamb

I made this dog themed bread lunch for my nephew to bring to school. He loves my homemade rolls and requested them for lunch. I enjoy making shaped bread. Container: EasyLunchBoxes Left Side: Dog shaped bread (used this recipe), added … Continue reading →

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15th Birthday Lasagna Lunch

Posted on May 9, 2017 by eclecticlamb

Last week my lasagna loving nephew turned 15. I made this lasagna lunch for him to bring to school. Container: EasyLunchBoxes Left Side: Homemade lasagna with a cheddar “15” cut with cookie cutters Top Right: Pistachios Bottom Right: Blackberries and … Continue reading →

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Kodomonohi Dinner

Posted on May 5, 2017 by eclecticlamb

I made this simple Children’s day or kodomonihi dinner for my parents and me. The garnish for the main course and dessert is pie crust. Main: Partially cook broccoli, carrots, potato, and celery. Make a cheese sauce. Mix sauce with … Continue reading →

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Dark Side of the Force Taco Salad

Posted on May 4, 2017 by eclecticlamb

Happy Star Wars Day! May the Fourth be with you! I made this easy lunch for my taco loving nephew. Container: EasyLunchBoxes Left Side: Black beans mixed with a little salsa, iceberg lettuce, Mexican cheese blend Top Right: Cherry tomatoes … Continue reading →

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Daffodil Lunch and Walk

Posted on April 22, 2017 by eclecticlamb

This week one night after work, my niece and I took a walk to a daffodil meadow and had this themed meal (I made 2 identical bentos). We ate our dinner sitting on a log under trees. It was a … Continue reading →

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Easter Egg Bunny Lunches

Posted on April 12, 2017 by eclecticlamb

This year I have 2 bunny themed lunches and 1 Easter egg lunch. I made the rice lunches for my niece and myself on a day that we did our traditional Easter egg craft. I will share our craft later … Continue reading →

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Tokyo Travel and Bento Lunch

Posted on April 10, 2017 by eclecticlamb

Today I have my last post in my 2017 Japan travel series. After Osaka / Kyoto, I took the Shinkansen to Tokyo. I stayed with language partners in Yokohama, Tsukuba, and stayed overnight at a hotel near Disneyland with another … Continue reading →

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Osaka – Kyoto Travel and Bento Lunch

Posted on April 6, 2017 by eclecticlamb

Continuing in my 2017 Japan Travel and Bento series I have Osaka and Kyoto. After Niigata, I flew to Osaka. A language partner who lives in Ibaraki City graciously invited me to stay with her and her family for a … Continue reading →

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7 Lucky Gods Tour Kyoto

Posted on April 4, 2017 by eclecticlamb

This is the third in my 2017 series of travel photos and food inspired by my trip to Japan. When I looked for things to do in Kyoto in January, I found the idea to visit each temple of the … Continue reading →

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April Showers Bring May Flowers for Lunch

Posted on April 1, 2017 by eclecticlamb

This simple lunch has a bit of whimsy with an umbrella handle pick and flower cookie cutters. Container: U Konserve Contents: Apple with cut side dipped in lemon juice and water, umbrella pick, salad with spinach and romaine (underneath), Near … Continue reading →

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Sado Island Travel and Bento Lunch

Posted on March 16, 2017 by eclecticlamb

Today I have the second in my 2017 series of travel photos and bento inspired by my trip to Japan. I am sharing photos from Sado Island and a Toki, (Japanese Crested Ibis) made from cheesy mashed potatoes. The Toki … Continue reading →

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3 Saint Patrick’s Day Lunches

Posted on March 15, 2017 by eclecticlamb

Happy Saint Patrick’s Day! Are you looking for fun and easy food to celebrate the Irish and all things green and shamrock? Well, you came to the right place. I have 3 new ideas this year (Shamrock Potato Salad, Shamrock … Continue reading →

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Niigata Travel and Bento Lunches

Posted on March 12, 2017 by eclecticlamb

I was on vacation in Japan from December 28, 2016 until January 24, 2017. When I returned from my last trip to Japan in 2014 I shared travel photos with themed bentos inspired by my trip. I will do the … Continue reading →

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Hinamatsuri Food Art

Posted on March 2, 2017 by eclecticlamb

This year for Hinamatsuri (Girls Day) I was inspired by this. Emperor: Face – Cheddar Cheese with food marker details, hair – spinach, hands – Cheddar cheese, baton – orange Cheddar cheese, body – green bell pepper, crown – food … Continue reading →

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President’s Day Lunches

Posted on February 17, 2017 by eclecticlamb

In celebration of President’s Day I made George Washington and Abraham Lincoln themed lunches. These were easy to make with cookie cutters. It is convenient and often healthier to have make ahead meals for myself in the refrigerator. Container: EasyLunchBoxes … Continue reading →

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World Cities Bento Lunches

Posted on January 19, 2017 by eclecticlamb

Today I have four world cities represented in lunches – Sydney, London, Paris, and New York. They are not very accurate from a food standpoint but it was a fun way to celebrate the spirit of each city. I hope … Continue reading →

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4 Meatless Lunches

Posted on January 17, 2017 by eclecticlamb

Container: U Konserve Contents: French bread with brie, green beans, blackberries Container: Fit & Fresh Bento Lunch Kit Left Side: French bread with broiled mozzarella cheese Top Right: Peaches, blackberries, cinnamon Bottom Right: Carrots Container: U Konserve Contents: Burrito – … Continue reading →

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Leftover Ravioli for Lunch

Posted on January 12, 2017 by eclecticlamb

I found these beautiful ravioli and served them for dinner. They made perfect leftovers for lunch meals. I don’t mind eating cold ravioli but these lunches can also be heated in a microwave. Container: EasyLunchBoxes Left Side: Mushroom ravioli, with … Continue reading →

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Panda Rice Lunch

Posted on January 10, 2017 by eclecticlamb

I made this lunch for my 14 year old niece. She requested a panda themed meal with rice and I was happy to oblige. Container: EasyLunchBoxes Left Side: Panda – rice inside CuteZCute Animal Friends cutter set, black olive details, … Continue reading →

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Polar Bear and Snowman Mashed Potato Lunches

Posted on January 5, 2017 by eclecticlamb

I met my 18 year old niece for lunch and made these lunches for us. The polar bear was for me and the snowman for my niece. We had the same sides and main ingredient (Cheddar mashed potatoes) to make … Continue reading →

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A Year of Bento Lunches

Posted on January 3, 2017 by eclecticlamb

Happy New Year! My niece Ella came up with the idea to create a themed bento lunch for each month of the year. The beginning of a new year seems like the perfect time to share this set. Enjoy! Container: … Continue reading →

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Top 16 Bento of 2016

Posted on December 30, 2016 by eclecticlamb

The end of the year is a typical time to reflect on the activities of the year. I reviewed all of the lunches I made (there were a lot!) and selected the top 16 to share today. These lunches are … Continue reading →

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16 Make Ahead Lunches or Dinners

Posted on December 22, 2016 by eclecticlamb

I consider myself a vegetarian foodie. The meat eaters I normally make meatless lunches for are not. A majority of these meals I made for myself. They are wonderful make ahead lunches or dinners. I love the cottage cheese potato … Continue reading →

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Transportation Themed Lunches

Posted on December 20, 2016 by eclecticlamb

Transportation themed lunches are fun for anyone to eat and easy to make using cookie cutters. Hot air balloon waffle, car shaped rice, mashed potato train, apple canoes and airplane pizza are sure to put a smile on your loved … Continue reading →

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Lasagna Star Lunch

Posted on December 16, 2016 by eclecticlamb

I made this star themed lasagna lunch for my 14 year old nephew to take to school. He loves my lasagna and a star theme seems fitting. This lunch was made to be reheated since he has a microwave available … Continue reading →

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Dinosaur and Turkey Lunches

Posted on December 14, 2016 by eclecticlamb

Today I have 2 meals I made for my 12 year old nephew – dinosaur and turkey themed. In both cases he had other food to supplement. I enjoy making shaped bread and the people in my life enjoy eating … Continue reading →

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Space Themed Pizza Lunches

Posted on December 12, 2016 by eclecticlamb

I am interested in space and have a reasonably sized space themed cookie cutter collection. When viewing my collection I decided to make several space themed pizza lunches. My nephews helped me out by eating these meals. This is my … Continue reading →

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Christmas Tree Bread Lunch

Posted on December 7, 2016 by eclecticlamb

I made this Christmas tree bread themed lunch for my nephew. Bread and cheese lunches are always popular. Container: Fit & Fresh Bento Lunch Kit Top Left: Kiwi Bottom Left: Carrots Right Side: Christmas Tree bread using this recipe, decorated with … Continue reading →

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3D Gingerbread Table Decorations

Posted on December 5, 2016 by eclecticlamb

A few weeks ago, my garden club was involved in a holiday house tour. Garden clubs each decorated a house for Thanksgiving or Christmas and members of the community paid to tour the houses. Since making arrangements is not my … Continue reading →

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Mr Taco Mustache Lunch

Posted on December 2, 2016 by eclecticlamb

I made this taco salad lunch for my taco loving nephew. It is fun to come up with new ways to serve the same thing. Container: EasyLunchBoxes Left Side: Eyes – cherry tomatoes with Cheddar cheese (attach cheese with small … Continue reading →

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Snowboarding on Lasagna Lunch

Posted on November 23, 2016 by eclecticlamb

I made this lunch for my 14 year old nephew. He loves lasagna and snowboarding and he has no problem bringing themed food to school. This lunch was made to be reheated. When he heated it in the microwave at … Continue reading →

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3 Themed Lunches

Posted on November 21, 2016 by eclecticlamb

Today I have 3 very different themed lunches that I made for my nephews: Face muffins, Merman bread, and dogs and cats on a stick snack lunch. My nephew requested muffins for lunch, these are cranberry. I stuck some eye … Continue reading →

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Lobster Shaped Rice and Beans Lunch

Posted on November 16, 2016 by eclecticlamb

In my quest to find appropriate themes for salsa rice and black beans, here is a lobster. I made this meal for my 14 year old nephew for lunch at home. Container: EasyLunchBoxes Left Side: Hot cooked Nishiki rice mixed … Continue reading →

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Chewie Cheese and Bread Lunch

Posted on November 14, 2016 by eclecticlamb

I made this Star Wars themed lunch for my 12 year old nephew at his request. Bread and cheese is always a popular lunch. Container: EasyLunchBoxes Left Side: French bread, Cheddar cheese cut with imprint cookie cutter, white Cheddar cheese … Continue reading →

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4 Woodland Animal Lunches

Posted on November 7, 2016 by eclecticlamb

These are lunches that I made awhile ago and did not yet blog. In this set I have a deer quesadilla, moose and owl shaped rice, and a soft pretzel shaped as a turtle. I made this deer lunch a … Continue reading →

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Chess Themed Food

Posted on November 3, 2016 by eclecticlamb

Today I have four chess themed lunches that I made for my 14 year old nephew. The chess cookie cutters are from here. I have the smallest sized set. My nephew likes salsa rice and black beans and it was … Continue reading →

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4 Halloween Lunches

Posted on October 28, 2016 by eclecticlamb

This year I have 4 fun Halloween lunches to share. I made all of them for my husband. The first one is a candy corn themed mashed potato (the mashed potato cake is under the cheese). Container: EasyLunchBoxes Left Side: … Continue reading →

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Snoopy Taco Salad

Posted on October 10, 2016 by eclecticlamb

I made this for my taco loving nephew. As usual I did a theme because it makes me happy and I am very glad that he does not mind. In this case once the cheese is dumped into the salad, … Continue reading →

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Quilting Themed Lunch

Posted on October 6, 2016 by eclecticlamb

Awhile ago, my 14 year old nephew and I had his great-grandmother (my grandmother-in-law) over for lunch. While over the years I have had her over for tea with her great-grandchildren, it was my first time to make her a … Continue reading →

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Sombrero Burrito Lunch

Posted on September 29, 2016 by eclecticlamb

I made this awhile ago for my 14 year old nephew. He likes good food, I like making fun lunches. I gave him the Happy Bento!: Lunches on the Go book to look at and to choose a lunch idea. … Continue reading →

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Harry Potter Lunch

Posted on September 21, 2016 by eclecticlamb

I made this Harry Potter themed lunch at the request of my 7 year old nephew. I was happy to also eat lunch with him. Container: EasyLunchBoxes Left Side: Harry Potter peanut butter and jelly sandwich on wheat bread, crust, … Continue reading →

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Squirrel Pancakes for Lunch

Posted on September 19, 2016 by eclecticlamb

I made this lunch for my pancake loving nephew. I find it easiest to make round pancakes first and then cut it with a cookie cutter. My nephew is happy to eat the scraps. Container: EasyLunchBoxes Left Side: Mini Dippers … Continue reading →

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Pokemon Lunch

Posted on September 16, 2016 by eclecticlamb

I made this lunch for my 8 year old nephew at his request. I love it when people in my life request a theme! It was also fun to be able to have lunch with him. Container: EasyLunchBoxes Left Side: … Continue reading →

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Nephews Favorite Lunches

Posted on September 14, 2016 by eclecticlamb

For the second day of school (2 weeks ago) I made favorite lunches for 3 of my nephews. My back to school tradition is to make mini Jam tarts with their school year on them (grades 7, 10, and 11 … Continue reading →

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Power Rangers Lunch

Posted on September 12, 2016 by eclecticlamb

I made this Power Rangers lunch at the request of my 4 year old nephew. I was fortunate to be able to make lunches and eat with him, his brothers and their Mom that day. Container: EasyLunchBoxes Left Side: Power … Continue reading →

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Cat Birthday Party

Posted on September 2, 2016 by eclecticlamb

I was thrilled to help my friend create cute food for her daughters 11th birthday party. We made cat themed ice cream sandwiches, cat shaped cinnamon tortilla chips with fruit salsa, giant cat cookies and decorated paper plates to look … Continue reading →

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Chocolate Candy Salsa Rice Lunch

Posted on August 29, 2016 by eclecticlamb

Since I am always looking for new ways to serve salsa rice, I made this M&M themed lunch for my nephew. Please let me know if you have any ideas for other themed lunches with salsa rice. Container: LunchBots Trio … Continue reading →

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