I made this festive lunch for myself. I used natural colorings on the mashed potato skull.
Container: EasyLunchBoxes
Left Side: Sugar Skull – Cheddar mashed potatoes shaped with a cookie cutter, Green – maccha powder, Purple – butterfly pea powder, Yellow – turmeric, red nose – red bell pepper, soybeans
Top Right: Cashews
Bottom Right: Gherkins and black olives
Happy Halloween! My 19 year old niece and I enjoyed planning and preparing this Halloween party. My Mom also helped. My parents, niece and I had a memorable meal!
Table Decor
Room Decor
Menu
Individual Chocolate Pies
Ingredients:
Preheat over to 350.
Crust – Press mixture of graham cracker crumbs and melted butter into bottom and up the sides of individual pie plates
Filling – In a pan combine condensed milk and chocolate. Stir occasionally until melted and smooth. Remove from the heat and stir in the butter and milk. Keep stirring. After it cools, pour into crust. Bake for 30 minutes.
Chill for several hours.
Jack-O-Lantern Whipped Cream – Whip heavy cream with orange food coloring. Sweeten as desired. Spoon into a small plastic bag, snip off a corner, pipe face onto chilled chocolate pies.
Lighted Menu Cards – This was a hit with party attendees. I mostly followed these directions.
My critique of the meal: We all enjoyed this Halloween party! I was delighted to collaborate with my 19 year old niece. All of us keep talking about the menu cards and the homemade creamed corn.
I made this today with my 19 year old niece.
Ghosts – Pancakes cut with a cookie cutter
Eyes – Chocolate chips
Snow – Whipped cream from a can
Droppings – Chocolate chips
Others in this series:
My parents and I enjoyed a pumpkin shaped and themed ravioli dinner.
Pumpkin Ravioli – I used my favorite pasta dough with a little canned pumpkin added to the dough for color, cut with a cookie cutter, filled with a mixture of canned pumpkin, brown sugar, parmesan, and nutmeg.
Blanched Snow Peas with Parmesan Cheese
Sage Butter – Melt butter with a few fresh sage leaves, remove sage leaves
Toasted Walnuts
Pumpkin Truffles – I somewhat followed this recipe but I used wheat flour and did not cover with chocolate. I only used a little bit of chocolate for the jack-o-lantern faces.
My critique of the meal: It was fun and delicious! I enjoy making ravioli days or weeks ahead of the meal to freeze. It makes preparation easier on the day of the meal.
I made this space travel meal for my friend Dennis. I used my space shuttle cookie cutter. For my meal, I also ate the Cuban Black Beans and rice. It was delicious.
Container: EasyLunchBoxes
Left Side: Space Shuttle – cheese (cut with a cookie cutter), Cuban Black Beans, basmati rice
Top Right: Apples
Bottom Right: Earth – I made the easier version described and bought the peanut butter cups.
I made this Boo, Eek themed meal for myself.
Container: EasyLunchBoxes
Left Side: Boo, Eek – Flour Tortilla cut with cookie cutters, Baked Cauliflower Potato Patties, I mostly followed the recipe but did not use egg or any egg substitute.
Top Right: Blueberries
Bottom Right: Cashews
I enjoyed this attractive ghost melon salad for lunch.
Container: Wooden box purchased in Kyoto at Bento&co.
Contents: Ghosts – Honeydew melon cut with a cookie cutter, Eyes – Mini chocolate chips, Romaine lettuce, chopped cucumber, tomato, black olives
I made this roasted potato and cheddar cheese ghost themed meal for my Dad.
Container: EasyLunchBoxes
Left Side: Ghosts – roasted potatoes and cheddar cheese cut with a cookie cutter, Eyes -smoked paprika added with a toothpick, black bean sauce
Top Right: Pistachios
Bottom Right: Ghosts – apple cut with a cookie cutter and dipped in water and lemon juice to prevent browning, Eyes – cinnamon added with a toothpick, blueberries
In September, I had oral surgery. September 14, I had surgery on one side of my mouth, September 29, I had surgery for the other side of my mouth. I usually do better handling challenges when I have a plan. In the weeks before my surgery, I spent quite a bit of time preparing meal plans and cooked freezer food to enjoy after my surgery. Some challenges I needed to plan for: eat smoothies with a spoon since no straws allowed in first days after surgery, eat soft foods for two weeks after each procedure, avoid nuts, seeds, and crunchy food for around 6 weeks after the second surgery.
I like crunchy food. Years ago, a coworker remarked that I like crunchy food. I guess he was aware that I enjoyed snacking on pretzels in the afternoon. But, I also enjoy creamy food. Many years ago, when I worked in NYC, I dated a man who actually did not like creamy food. I am glad that I like creamy food since it made life easier after oral surgery.
I designed a meal plan that covered a month of meals. I made modifications before the second surgery with what I especially liked (yogurt in pottery or glass) and didn’t like (pumpkin oatmeal). Overall, my plan worked and it made a difficult time easier.
I created smiling tooth stickers to indicate oral surgery approved meals in my freezer.
Goals:
Notes:
After my second surgery I remained on the mostly liquid diet (smoothies for breakfast), one day longer than I had planned the first time. My mouth and jaw were sore and any movement on one side of my mouth impacted the other side.
Freezer Meals
Other Soft Meals
I did not take photos of all of my meals during this time. Included in this post are a sampling.
I ate this melon Hippo salad for lunch.
Glass Container with Lid
Hippo – Honeydew melon cut with a cookie cutter, Eye – Mini chocolate chip, cottage cheese, blueberries, Brazil nuts
This is a simple meal I made for my friend Carol when she returned home from vacationing on her island. This is my first time to use the new EasyLunchBoxes 4 container box.
Container: EasyLunchBoxes
Top Left: Almonds with mini chocolate chips
Top Middle: Birds – Cheddar cut with a cookie cutter, homemade pizza
Top Right: Broccoli, cherry tomatoes
Bottom: House – Cheddar cut with a cookie cutter, Island – Pesto pizza, blueberries, blackberries
When I was a child, I had an imaginary friend. He was a parrot named Tippy. I called him Tippy since he sat on the tip of my finger. This is my first time making a parrot lunch. My friend Renae made some parrot cookie cutters with her 3D printer. I am excited to explore other Tippy themed meals. Hands are part of this meal since young Kathy held out her hand to the large green bird.
Container: EasyLunchBoxes
Left Side: Parrot – zucchini (from CSA) cut with a cookie cutter, Eye – dried blueberry attached with spaghetti, Beak – orange cheddar attached with spaghetti, pasta with sautéed onion (CSA), zucchini, and cheddar
Top Right: Hand – flour tortilla cut with a cookie cutter, place on cookie sheet sprayed with cooking spray, spray cut-out with cooking spray and bake in a 350 degree oven for about 10 minutes or until lightly browned and crisp,
Bottom Right: Applesauce with cinnamon
I made this volcano tortilla chip with salad meal for myself.
Container: EasyLunchBoxes
Left Side: Volcano – Flour tortilla cut with with a knife, red sanding sugar, place on cookie sheet sprayed with cooking spray, spray cut-out with cooking spray and bake in a 350 degree oven for about 10 minutes or until lightly browned and crisp, lettuce, broccoli
Top Right: Pecans
Bottom Right: Dinosaur – Kohlrabi cut with a cookie cutter, black beans and salsa
I made this lunch for myself on a day I met my family at the zoo.
Container: EasyLunchBoxes
Left Side: Llama – Cantaloupe cut with a cookie cutter, Face – cinnamon, cottage cheese, lettuce, cinnamon, Brazil nuts
Top Right: Homemade bread
Bottom Right: Vegan Broccoli Salad – I did not use the onion or cranberries
I made this easy melon fox themed lunch for my Mom. They don’t exactly look like foxes but it is cute.
Container: EasyLunchBoxes
Left Side: Fox – cantaloupe cut with a cookie cutter, Eyes – spinach cut with a straw, cottage cheese with blueberries
Top Right: Pistachio nuts
Bottom Right: Green bell pepper
I made this squirrel themed lunch for my Dad.
Container: EasyLunchBoxes
Left Side: Squirrel – Cheddar garlic mashed potatoes cut with a cookie cutter, sprinkle with smoked paprika, broccoli
Top Right: Pistachios
Bottom Right: Acorn – Apple cut with a cookie cutter, sprinkle with cinnamon, blueberries
I made this lunch for myself on a week that I had my favorite combination of beets, pasta, and blue cheese for lunch.
Container: Prep Natural Glass Meal Containers
Left Side: Oak leaves – Apple cut with a cookie cutter, sprinkled with cinnamon, blueberries
Right Side: Oak leaves – Beet cut with a cookie cutter, pasta with blue cheese
I made this acorn themed bread lunch for my Dad. I think it is my first time to cut a peach with a cookie cutter. My 19 year old niece had the idea.
Container: EasyLunchBoxes
Left Side: Acorn – Shaped homemade bread with Nutella and Chocolate Pocky
Top Right: Marcona Almonds
Bottom Right: Squirrel – Peach cut with a cookie cutter, blueberries
I made this flower themed lunch for myself. I love the combination of beets, pasta, and blue cheese.
Container: Prep Natural Glass Meal Containers
Left Side: Flowers – Apple cut with a cookie cutter (half are sprinkled with cinnamon, half show their skin), blueberries
Right Side: Flowers – Beet cut with a cookie cutter, radish cut with a cookie cutter, center of flowers attached with spaghetti, pasta with blue cheese
My friend Deborah came over for dinner and a long walk on a workday. I wanted something easy for dinner so decided on falafel waffles. We served them with tahini sauce, tomatoes, and cucumbers from Deborah’s garden. Falafel waffles are so much fun to say and eat. We each plated our own. Mine is the first photo and Deborah’s is the second.
I made this shaped waterwheel bread meal for my Mom. My 19 year old niece came up with the idea.
Container: EasyLunchBoxes
Left Side: Waterwheel – Shaped homemade bread with cinnamon spokes, blueberries
Top Right: Brazil Nuts
Bottom Right: Vegetable bundles tied with chives
My 19 year old niece and I made this trio of raccoons. She picked the theme and styled the raccoons.
Others in this series:
I made this for my Dad on a day I met family at the Utica Zoo. This was actually my first time making fougasse. I had to significantly modify the recipe from the original so I won’t link to the recipe.
Container: U-Konserve
Contents: Goats – Cheddar cheese cut with cookie cutters, fougasse (ladder) bread
Container: LunchBots Trio
Top Left: Red Grapes
Top Right: Vegan Broccoli Salad – I did not use the onion or cranberries
Bottom Right: Strawberries
Over the years, I created many space themed meals. Here is my collection!
Last Updated: 4/6/25.
ALIENS / UFO
STARS
Cinnamon Sugar Tortilla Chip Stars
Cheddar and Tortilla Chip Stars
MOON
ASTRONAUT
Sandwich Astronaut (this was published as a guest post but the host site no longer exists)
Toast Astronaut with Pizza Stars
ROCKET / SPACESHIP
METEOR
ECLIPSE
Blueberries & Pineapple, Black Bean Tostada with Bell Pepper, Cucumber, Fresh Mozzarella Salad
CONSTILATIONS
PLANETS
Cupcake Earth
I made this fun space themed meal for myself.
Container: EasyLunchBoxes
Left Side: Space Ship – flour tortilla cut with a cookie cutter, place on cookie sheet sprayed with cooking spray, spray cut-out with cooking spray and bake in a 350 degree oven for about 10 minutes or until lightly browned and crisp, lettuce (from CSA), pearl fresh mozzarella balls
Top Right: Brazil nuts
Bottom Right: Stars – Cheddar cut with cookie cutters, black beans
I made this planet themed meal for myself. I enjoyed trying the Cauliflower Potato Patties for the first time.
Container: EasyLunchBoxes
Left Side: Planets – Baked Cauliflower Potato Patties, I mostly followed the recipe but did not use egg or any egg substitute. Earth – sprinkled with Butterfly Pea Powder and Spinach Powder, Mars – sprinkled with smoked paprika, Venus – browned, Saturn Ring – cut flour tortilla
Top Right: Cashews
Bottom Right: Blueberries
I made this giraffe themed meal for myself. It is part of my ongoing series of themed potato salads that often also contain.vegetables and cheese.
Note: A group of giraffes is called a tower.
Container: EasyLunchBoxes
Left Side: Giraffes – Roasted sweet potatoes, orange cheddar cheese (red pepper flakes and smoked paprika), orange bell pepper all cut with cookie cutters, Spinach Walnut Pesto (I also added basil)
Top Right: Pistachios
Bottom Right: Apple with cut check pattern, blueberries
I made this lunch for my Mom. I was happy that she requested fruit and cottage cheese. It inspired me to make a lighthouse theme meal.
Containers: U Konserve
Rectangle Container: Lighthouse – Cantaloupe cut with a cookie cutter, cinnamon details, cottage cheese mixed with blueberries, brazil nuts, lettuce
Round Container: Lighthouse – Cheddar cut with a cookie cutter, cinnamon details, homemade roll
Almost 2 years ago, I started looking for a house. I think everyone who knows me will be glad when I finally find one. Then they won’t have to hear me complain about prices and the lack of houses that meet my criteria. Last week, I actually looked at two houses! Before I looked at a house after work with my friend Dennis, my 19 year old niece asked if I was going to make a house search themed meal for him. I was not planning on it but thought it was a great idea. Dennis enjoyed it!
Container: EasyLunchBoxes
Left Side: House – Flour tortilla cut with a cookie cutter, place on cookie sheet sprayed with cooking spray, spray cut-out with cooking spray and bake in a 350 degree oven for about 10 minutes or until lightly browned and crisp, food coloring marker details, For Sale Sign – Cheddar cheese, carrot, food coloring marker, rice with spinach, onion, garlic, and Asiago cheese
Top Right: Cashews
Bottom Right: $ – Ishtar zucchini (from my CSA) cut with a cookie cutter
I made this for my sister-in-law on a day I met her and my brother at the Utica Zoo. This was actually my first time making fougasse. I had to significantly modify the recipe from the original so I won’t link to the recipe. I think it looks perfect as a peacock.
Container: EasyLunchBoxes
Left Side: Peacock – Cheddar cheese cut with a knife, butterfly pea powder painted with a brush and a little water, dried blueberry eye attached with spaghetti, fougasse (ladder) bread, Feet – carrot cut with a knife
Top Right: Peacock Feather – Apple cut with cookie cutters, green tea maccha powder and butterfly pea powder painted with a brush and a little water, blueberries
Bottom Right: Vegan Broccoli Salad – I did not use the onion or cranberries
I made this shaped bread lunch with my 19 year old niece. She made the carrot flowers and Nutella face.
Container: EasyLunchBoxes
Left Side: Bunny – Homemade bread, Face – Nutella
Top Right: Raspberries
Bottom Right: Flowers – Rainbow carrots cut with a cookie cutter and sauteed in butter
I made this for my brother on a day I met him and his wife at the Utica Zoo. I asked him for a theme request and he said, “snow leopard”. This does not look exactly like a snow leopard but he enjoyed. I think that this was actually my first time making fougasse. I had to significantly modify the recipe from the original so I won’t link to the recipe.
Container: EasyLunchBoxes
Left Side: Snow Leopard – Cheddar cheese cut with a knife, smoked paprika details, fougasse (ladder) bread
Top Right: Vegan Broccoli Salad – I did not use the onion or cranberries
Bottom Right: Paw print – Apple and carrot cut with a cookie cutter, blueberries
Thank you to my awesome 19 year old niece who helped me out by taking most of these wonderful photos!
In honor of my 50th birthday (today), I hosted a Luncheon Tea (last weekend) for the women closest to me. I love cooking, planning parties, and spending time with the important people in my life. This was the perfect gift I gave myself. Including me, 7 attended my party (Mom, 19 year old niece, Renae, Carol, Deborah, and Beth Ann). I am delighted that they were able to join me for this celebration.
INVITATIONS
I decided to send paper invitations in the mail. I purchased a digital copy of this, modified it for my occasion and printed it on my personal printer.
TABLE SETTING
Menu
SAVORY
SCONES
Served with Strawberry Jam and fresh Whipped Cream
DESSERT
BEVERAGES
DECORATIONS
I transformed my dining room into a paper garden. We were all pleased with the results. It helped add to the atmosphere. I mostly followed these directions but with my own twist. I made a smaller version of these crepe paper roses. I made these birds but did not use the bottom of their bodies or their legs. I made the butterflies with my Cricut machine.
I bought many bunches of assorted pink roses from Trader Joes and Wegmans. My Mom did a fantastic job arranging them in the tea pot, vases, and the individual napkin rings. She even put flowers in my bathroom.
I decorated my entryway with Dollar store tissue pom-poms that I assembled and hung with command hooks.
I ordered balloons from Wegmans and picked up on the morning of my party.
The last time I held a birthday party was for my 40th. For that party I had a children’s theme Sheep party and invited all of my nieces and nephews at the time. My 19 year old niece attended. For that party she helped me make a sheep banner and she put “40” on each of the sheep. I cherish that banner and still have it. This year she came up with the idea to make a sheep banner with 50 sheep. I am delighted that she made it for me.
FASCINATORS
My friend Deborah and I made the fascinators before the party. I got the materials from friends, Michaels Crafts, Dollar Tree, and a craft thrift store in my area. Each guest picked a fascinator to wear. It added a fun element to the party. I enjoyed taking photos of each friend with me.
FAVORS
I bought little boxes put shredded paper from the Dollar Tree inside and added assorted chocolates. On the outside of the boxes, I taped assorted Tea Forte tea.
PLAYLIST
I like the idea of creating a party playlist but don’t usually make one. For my 7 Continents Christmas dinner I started it but only finished Africa. I found and used some of the Carol of the Bells songs I selected for my Carol of the Bells Christmas dinner. For my Birthday Tea party, I worked hard at creating a playlist. I discussed it with many people in my life. I ended up selecting 5 songs from decades I have lived. I got a Spotify account to play it. Unbelievably, I was so busy with my party, I forgot to play it!! One of my friends realized after most people were gone that I did not play my songs. Here is my list:
1970’s
Sunshine on my Shoulders by John Denver
Song Sung Blue by Niel Diamond
Piano Man by Billy Joel
Born to Run by Bruce Springsteen
My Sharona by The Knack
1980’s
The Tide is High by Blondie
Joy by George Winston
Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This) by Eurythmics
I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles) by The Proclaimers
Storybook Love Princess Bride by Mark Knopfler
1990’s
Istanbul (Not Constantinople) by They Might Be Giants
Broken Arrow by Rod Stewart
Thank You for Hearing Me by Sinead O’Connor
The Memory of Trees by Enya
Here with Me by Dido
2000’s
The Model by Belle & Sebastian
The Middle by Jimmy Eat World
Bring Me to Life by Evanescence
Boom Boom Pow by Black Eyed Peas
Fairytale by Alexander Rybak
2010’s
Like a G6 by Far East Movement
On the Floor by Jennifer Lopez
All About the Bass by Meghan Trainor
Pale Grass Blue by Enya
Soy Yo by Bomba Estereo
BIRTHDAY PERSON TRIVIA
I made a little quiz about me. My Mom said I should keep it to 10 questions but I ended up with 20. I think it was fun for my guests.
My critique of the party: I had a lot of fun and my guests seemed to also enjoy. The next time I make a playlist for a party, I will put it on my cooking to-do list as a reminder to play it. I like the idea of having smaller tea parties in different seasons. Some of the desserts I served at this tea would be perfect to make again. Maybe I will have a dessert open house when I finally find and buy a house.
I made this bird themed meal for my Mom. It is part of my ongoing series of themed potato salads that often also contain.vegetables and cheese.
Container: EasyLunchBoxes
Left Side: Birds – Roasted white and sweet potatoes, orange cheddar cheese, orange bell pepper all cut with cookie cutters, Spinach Walnut Pesto (I also added basil)
Top Right: Pistachios
Bottom Right: Cherries
I made this for myself on the same day I made the Lizard meal for a friend. This was not as gross to eat as the lizards. The tails are what got to me with the lizards.
Container: EasyLunchBoxes
Left Side: Frogs – Zucchini cut with a cookie cutter and roasted, roasted potatoes, tomatoes, Asiago cheese
Top Right: Almonds
Bottom Right: Frogs – Apple cut with a cookie cutter, blueberries
I made this bear themed meal for my Mom at her Lake House. I used her bear cookie cutter.
Container: EasyLunchBoxes
Top Left: Fish – Radish cut with a cookie cutter, blueberries
Bottom Left: Mixed nuts
Right Side: Bear – Cheddar cheese cut with a cookie cutter, Ricotta, Pea, and Leek Quiche
This was planned for when a friend was supposed to come over but she was sick and stayed home. I ended up eating this alone. I found it a little gross to eat zucchini lizards.
Container: EasyLunchBoxes
Left Side: Lizards – Zucchini cut with a cookie cutter and roasted, roasted potatoes, tomatoes, Asiago cheese
Top Right: Pepero almond chocolate sticks
Bottom Right: Blueberries
My Mom’s Macaroni and Cheese is very popular. When her kids and grandchildren visit, it is one of the most requested meals. I am including the original recipe from Betty Crocker here but over the years, my Mom has made it her own. She uses Seriously Sharp Cabot Cheddar Cheese. Mom adds onion powder and dried mustard to the cheese sauce. Also depending on who she is making it for, sometimes she makes it with a breadcrumb topping and sometimes without. When she uses breadcrumbs, she puts extra cheese on top of the elbow pasta then adds the breadcrumbs. I prefer the breadcrumb topping. We like a brown and crispy crust. Mom bakes it for 45 minutes. Delicious!
Betty Crocker’s Cookbook Eighth Printing 1989
I want to buy a house. I’ve been searching for nearly 2 years. A house that meets my requirements, lists less than once a month. Last weekend 2 houses that mostly fulfill my requirements listed on the same day. The last time a house listed for me was the end of April!. Last weekend my friend Renae went with me to see the houses. Since we had appointments at lunch time, I packed identical snack lunches for us to eat in the car.
Container: EasyLunchBoxes
Left Side: Cabot Farmhouse Reserve Cheddar, Sugar Snap Peas, Skinny Pop Popcorn Mini Cakes Sea Salt
Top Right: Pistachios
Bottom Right: Red Grapes
I made this Alligator on a quiche themed lunch for my Dad. I don’t make quiche very often since I don’t eat it. My Dad loved the quiche!
Container: EasyLunchBoxes
Top Left: Fish – Radish cut with cookie cutters, blueberries
Bottom Left: Toasted pine nuts
Right Side: Alligator – Zucchini cut with a cookie cutter, Ricotta, Pea, and Leek Quiche
I made this mashed potato and smoked paprika sheep for myself. It was delicious and fun to eat.
Container: EasyLunchBoxes
Left Side: Sheep – Cheddar and garlic mashed potatoes cut with a cookie cutter, broccoli
Top Right: Pistachios
Bottom Right: Flowers – Apple cut with a cookie cutter, pink sanding sugar, blueberries
I made this skunk themed meal for myself. It is my first time to use this cookie cutter. I have no idea why my skunk is orange and has no stripe. Next time, I should make one that looks more like a skunk. But I enjoyed eating it.
Container: EasyLunchBoxes
Left Side: Skunk – Cheddar cheese cut with a cookie cutter, Italian Broccoli and Quinoa Pilaf
Top Right: Brazil nuts
Bottom Right: Chocolate bread
Today is my 10 year blogiversary! To celebrate, I made this meal for myself.
Container: Cloud box from Japan (set of 3)
Large Box: 10 – Cinnamon tortilla chip – flour tortilla cut with a cookie cutter, spray with cooking spray, sprinkle with cinnamon, put on cookie sheet and bake in a 350 degree oven for about 10 minutes or until lightly browned and crisp, popcorn
Medium Box: 10 – Cinnamon tortilla chip – flour tortilla cut with a cookie cutter, spray with cooking spray, sprinkle with cinnamon, put on cookie sheet and bake in a 350 degree oven for about 10 minutes or until lightly browned and crisp, romaine, cherry tomatoes
Small Box: 10 – Blueberries, Greek yogurt
I show my love for the people in my life by making fun food for them. I aim to please so I often ask their food and theme preferences. People usually don’t like that question. I am happy when I know what they like and can make them especially pleased with my efforts. I love being challenged with a new theme. Sometimes people inspire me to try something I would not have thought about on my own. Such as tapping maple trees, wood burning in a fireplace, historical weapons, or field hockey. It is also fun to see how many different versions of elephant meals I can make (elephant is my most requested theme).
Over the past 10 years my life has changed; relationship status, jobs, dwellings. Throughout it all I make cute food for the people closest to me at the time.
I looked at past posts to see how many different people I gave my cute themed food. Over the past 10 years, I prepared themed boxed lunches for 49 different people!!
Of those 49 people, I looked at the top 10. I am actually number 1. The other 9 are not a surprise (ex-husband, nephews and niece from marriage, both my parents, friends Carol and Dennis).
I don’t show many photos with recognizable people. I show parts of faces and lots of hands and arms. My image only appears in 3 posts (Hans, Easter, Helicopter).
Having my blog and what I create for it makes life more fun. I have a tradition of announcing a new companion with a photo of the back of his head while about to eat one of my cute themed bentos. In the 4.5 years after divorce, the backs of 2 mens heads appear on my blog (here and here). There was a 3rd new man I made a meal for (between the 2 pictured) but we broke up before I was ready to post. This is life and I can see the humor in it.
I am grateful for the 49 people who were close enough to me to eat my fun food. It gives me so much joy!
I made this gorilla themed meal for myself. I wanted a gorilla cookie cutter with 4 legs that was not 3D. My friend Renae made it for me with her 3D printer. I think that it turned out very cute. Looks more like a gorilla than this one I made last year.
Container: EasyLunchBoxes
Left Side: Gorilla – cheddar cheese cut with a cookie cutter, Eye – spinach cut with a mini cutter, lentil salad (I loosely followed this but did not use the onion, bell pepper, bay leaf and parsley. I cooked the lentils in vegetable broth.)
Top Right: Toasted walnuts
Bottom Right: Palm trees – celery cut with a cookie cutter, mango, blueberries
I made this zucchini, tomato, rice and cheese casserole for my friend Dennis and myself. It was a last minute dinner and easy to throw together.
Zucchini Tomato Casserole – I used the recipe as a guide but did not exactly follow it. I used spring onions and zucchini from my CSA. I baked the casserole in individual portions and sprinkled Asiago cheese on top.
Sliced Strawberries with Ricotta – My portion has plain ricotta. Dennis has sweetened ricotta with sugar and vanilla.
My critique of the meal: We both enjoyed this meal. This is an easy meal and it has a lot of different flavor possibilities. I don’t use these individual dishes very often but I should. They are very attractive and fun to use. The only problem was that I should have served it after cooling down awhile. It was very hot in temperature!
I made this loon and baby themed lunch for my Mom. I enjoy seeing and hearing the loons on my parents lake.
Container: EasyLunchBoxes
Left Side: Loons – Cheddar garlic mashed potatoes cut with cookie cutters, sprinkled with paprika, dried blueberry eyes, blueberries
Top Right: Pistachios
Bottom Right: Loon – apple cut with a cookie cutter, sprinkled with cinnamon, mixed berry Greek yogurt.
This year I am enjoying making different themed ravioli. I made these cute ravioli stars for dinner with my parents at their Lake House. It is not obvious in the photos but there is a black bean sauce under the ravioli.
Star Salad – Cucumber stars cut with a cookie cutter, tomato, black olives, romaine
Star Ravioli – I used my favorite pasta dough cut with a cookie cutter, filled with a mixture of ricotta, corn, basil, Asiago, black pepper, and parmesan cheese
Black Bean Sauce – I did not use the cilantro
My critique of the meal: This was delicious! The only thing I would change is maybe the plating. I find it difficult to make a plate of ravioli look great.
I made this simple meal for myself. It was fun to serve it on my Great Grandmother’s snack plates (Indiana Milk Glass White Orange Blossom Snack Plate).
I made these festive tacos for my parents and myself. They are easy to make. The only part that takes some time is cutting and roasting the sweet potatoes. I enjoy cutting food with cookie cutters. Its relaxing for me.
Ingredients:
How to Make:
Enjoy!
My parents and I had a delicious 4th of July themed meal at their Lake House.
Red, White, and Blue Appetizers – Red Stars – red bell pepper cut with a cookie cutter, White Stripes – blueberry white cheddar, White – this onion dip but with dairy sour cream, Blue – blue homemade potato chips.
Red, White, and Blue Ravioli – I added butterfly pea flower powder to 1/2 of my favorite pasta dough, the filling was ricotta, parmesan, garlic powder, salt and pepper.
Red, White, and Blue Dessert – Sliced strawberries, blueberries, fresh whipped cream.
My critique of the meal: We all love my homemade ravioli. Everything was delicious.
Eclectic Lamb 
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