Last night’s dinner was really simple. The potatoes were leftovers, the broccoli only had to be steamed, and the chicken was easily cooked in a pan with a bit of olive oil, garlic, and onions. The rest of the bento was just as easy: white peaches, a cherry, cucumber slices, carrots, and tomato slices. Simple and quick, just the way I like it.

Our food has to be simple these days because I have so many different things going on. On top of all of all the normal things like work, cleaning the house, etc. I’m also helping to organize a student run scientific conference on campus, giving a bento demo to the Japanese Club at my university, and dealing with termites..... again!

When I say bento demo, what I really mean is that a group of 40 students will be making their own bentos! Over the last couple of weeks I’ve had to figure out how to prep for that many people to make their own bentos... yeah... not as easy as it sounds. I’ve finally found some clamshell style takeout containers that they’ll use for the box.

The fun part is that everybody will be able to make their own octo-dog bento and we’re going to have a little deco-ben contest for a bento starter kit prize. The not-so-fun part is that it’s impossible for 40 people to be able to cook anything...... all they’ll be able to do is assemble and decorate. So, that means, before I even go I have to do the grocery shopping, make 80 octo-dogs (I must be masochistic), 40 hard boiled eggs (cooked and peeled), 40 onigiri (if I decide I have the motivation and/or time, hahahaha....), slice a bunch cucumbers, slice a ton of fat carrots, wash a ton of cherry tomatoes, grapes, etc., and organize all of the food to be transported. Once I get there I’ll have help setting up so that won’t be so bad. I’ll be sure to take lots of pics!

Anyway, if you feel like sending some “extra time” vibes my way, I’d greatly appreciate it! :)

Happy Bento-ing!

Tags: bento, steeltainer