Conversation Hearts Bento

CasaBento is having another contest on their facebook page, and this was my second entry for the contest. Sadly, they had so many great entries that mine didn't make it into the top eight. But it sure is fun to check out the other great bentos. You can vote now for your favorite Valentine's Day themed bento on Casa Bento's facebook page. Good luck to all of the finalists!

This bento was made with some help from my friend CocoCarina who suggested the "Bento Love" verbage for one of the conversation hearts. I thought "Bite Me" would be fun and playful for the second heart, since you do actually eat this and biting is encouraged. :) The "candy hearts" are actually made from egg sheet (I used Lia's great tutorial on Bentolicious to make the egg sheet) and alphabet pasta colored with food coloring pen for the words. Also in this bento: rice, edamame, char sui bbq pork, a blackberry, steamed broccoli from Triple T, french breakfast radishes from Ortiz Farms, and baby carrots. The doily in the photo was actually made by my husband's mom, Phyllis.

Happy Almost Valentine's Day!

A 'Hearty' Bento

Ha ha, puns are the best! This 'hearty' bento is one of my entries for CasaBento's Valentine's Day Bento contest. If I have time this weekend, I will make a second entry. My buddy CocoCarina helped me think up a fun idea for another heart themed bento. Entry deadline is February 6th at midnight (GTM+1).

In this bento: jasmine rice scented with clove and cardamom and topped with a chipotle cheddar heart, steamed broccoli from Triple T with little soy paper hearts, baby carrots, french breakfast radishes from Ortiz Farms, and broiled flank steak that I marinated in lots of yummy stuff (leftover from dinner last night).

The marinade I made is similar to one my mom makes for flank steak. It's so delicious. I used soy sauce, vegetable oil, toasted sesame oil, sliced scallions, powdered ginger, crushed dried rosemary, sriracha, worchestershire sauce, rice vinegar, and mirin. I was in a rush last night, so it only marinated for about an hour before I cooked it, but the marinade works even better if you let it sit for about 8 hours in the fridge.