What is Bento?

I hadn't heard of it either until recently. Bento is an individual takeout or home-packed meal introduced by the Japanese. A traditional bento consists of rice, fish or meat, and one or more pickled or cooked vegetables, usually in a box-shaped container. They are common in many places throughout Japan, including convenience stores, bento shops, train stations, and department stores; however, many choose to make them at home.
Bento can be elaborate, called kyaraben or "character bento". Kyaraben is typically decorated to look like popular Japanese cartoon (anime) characters, among others. Another style "oekakiben" or "picture bento", is decorated to look like people, animals, buildings and monuments, or items such as flowers and plants. There are even Bento contests!!

None of this would be interesting except Bento recipes can be quick, easy and nutritious. EVERYTHING WE ARE LOOKING FOR!!!

There are tons of sites dedicated to Bento, some are specifically for children and typically a little more decoration based - smiley face rice balls, etc:)

http://justbento.com/category/filed-under/kids

 and some are more geared towards adult meals.

http://justbento.com/recipes
http://lunchinabox.net/recipes/

 
  This is my favorite site I have found so far!! http://happylittlebento.blogspot.com/ 
 

Happy Bentoing!!