Sesame Noodle, Edamame and Frosty Grape Bento Box
Fun to eat, visually pleasing and perfectly portioned, this compartmentalized, Japanese-style lunch box will have your co-workers cooing.
1 cup leftover noodles, such as capellini $.60
2 tablespoons sesame oil, divided $.50
2 cloves garlic, minced $.05
1-inch piece ginger, minced $.40
1 tablespoon rice vinegar $.20
1 tablespoon tahini $.30
1 tablespoon hot chili oil or Sriracha $.20
2 teaspoons toasted sesame seeds $.25
salt $.05
1 cup frozen whole edamame $.90
1 cup seedless black grapes, frozen $.75
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1. In a small pan, toast garlic in sesame oil. Toss pasta with garlic oil, ginger, vinegar, tahihi, hot sauce, sesame seeds and salt.
2. Microwave edamame pods with ½ cup water on medium-high power, 3-5 minutes. Drain, rinse with cold water and toss with coarse salt. Allow to cool completely before packing.
3. Wrap frozen grapes in paper towel.
*Double Agent-Freezer packs are bulky and easily misplaced. Keep your lunch cool by freezing edible items, like bottled water.
Soup and Sandwich Combo:
Yellow Tomato Soup
This simple summer soup is equally delicious hot or at room temperature, making it an easy lunch option.
2 tablespoons butter $.40
1/4 cup fresh breadcrumbs $.10
2 yellow tomatoes, cored and seeded $2.00
1 cup chicken or vegetable broth $.75
salt and pepper $.05
1. Melt butter in a skillet, add breadcrumbs and cook until lightly toasted. In a blender, combine breadcrumbs, tomatoes, and broth and puree until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
* Some Like it Hot: To pack hot, bring soup to a rapid boil and pour immediately into a thermos that has been pre-heated with boiling water.
Herbed Turkey Finger-wiches
Tea sandwiches were designed to sit-out at room temperature without wilting.
1 tablespoon chopped herbs (such as tarragon, chives or thyme) $.30
1/4 cup cream cheese, room temperature $.80
2 slices sturdy bread, like sourdough $.40
2 leaves red leaf lettuce $.10
3 slices turkey $1.00
Stir herbs into cream cheese and spread on 1 slice of bread then top with lettuce, turkey and remaining bread slice. Cut sandwich into fingers and allow to cool completely before wrapping, to avoid condensation.
*Sogg-proof: Use softened or whipped cream cheese as a spread to safeguard against sodden sandwiches.
Related Stories:
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From Dinner to Lunch: The One-Two Punch
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