{"id":2717,"date":"2011-08-10T15:59:39","date_gmt":"2011-08-10T15:59:39","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.cookingatdebras.com\/eng\/?p=2717"},"modified":"2011-11-29T19:49:55","modified_gmt":"2011-11-29T19:49:55","slug":"bento-build-a-better-lunch","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.cookingatdebras.com\/eng\/2011\/08\/10\/bento-build-a-better-lunch\/","title":{"rendered":"Bento: Build a Better Lunch"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Debra Samuels<\/a><\/strong><\/span>, bestselling author, food writer and cooking instructor, wants to give the American lunchbox a makeover. In the chapter on \u201cbento,\u201d the traditional Japanese lunch box, in her upcoming book, My Japanese Table<\/a><\/em><\/span>,<\/strong> Debra encourages the use of color, texture and taste to create healthier and more visually appealing meals.<\/p>\n

Debra moved to Japan as a young wife and mother, and quickly learned that bento is more than just lunch. It is a carefully constructed meal incorporating small portions of a variety of foods tucked neatly into a compartmentalized container. The result is a nutritious, interesting and balanced lunch that delights children and encourages them to try new foods.<\/p>\n

\u201cChildren eat with their eyes first,\u201d says Debra. Kids are more likely to gobble up what\u2019s in front of them if vibrant colors and shapes pop out from their lunch boxes. Bento does not have to be complicated or time-consuming. Here are tips on how to create a great bento to delight your son or daughter:<\/p>\n

\u201cDebra\u2019s Bento High Five\u201d<\/strong><\/h2>\n