Monday, January 23, 2012

Do you "Bento"? (How to make a shaped egg)

Do you Bento for your kids?  Bento boxes are really fun.  They can range from works of art that take a lot of planning and time to make...
Credit: http://wickedhowtos.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/bento3.jpg

...to relatively simple ones that are very practical to do and your kids will still think are "cool!"
Credit: http://0.tqn.com/d/childparenting/1/0/G/4/-/-/About_school_lunch_box_bento2.jpg

Bento boxes are common in Japan, where even adults get in on the action (minus all the cutesy themes).  There are a ton of the boxes out there.  I bought this sweet one for LJ.
http://www.mysweetmuffin.com/item/Shinzi-Katoh-Single-Lunch-Box---Red-Hood/392/c30 
If you do a search for Bento box ideas, they are all over the internet.  I am planning to share some of my Bento ideas here from time to time too.  SO, I thought I would start with one of LJ's favorite Bento Box items- a shaped hard boiled egg!
Star eggs!

First, you hard boil your eggs just like normal.  But DO NOT put them in an ice bath or allow them to cool in the pan completely.  You need them pretty hot for this to work!  When they are hot, they are very pliable and will take the shapes.  ***Use the large or extra large eggs.  Small ones won't fill up the shape.***

I use tongs to get them out of the still hot water.
Use tongs so you don't get burned!
Then, turn on the cold tap water for peeling.  This way, as you peel your very hot egg, you can occasionally run it under the cool water when your fingers can't take it any more!
Ouch!
Once your egg is peeled, you need to put it into an egg mold.  These are pretty cheap and can be found at the Asian grocery, or of course, online.
My egg molds.
Be sure to put your eggs in with the "fatter" side in the bottom, sticking up tall.  They won't work if you put them in sideways.
Right side up, Mr. Egg!
Then you simply put your lid on, being sure the sides are snapped down tight.
Sometimes you really have to push it down to close it!
Then place in your fridge for a while.  I usually do it overnight.  BUT- if you want to make a bunch of these, say, for an appetizer platter (how cute would these be as deviled eggs?) then I would leave them in for at least an hour or two, and check to be sure they are completely cooled before removing from the mold.  Otherwise, they may snap back to more of an egg shape.  If you think you'll make a lot of these I would buy more molds since they are so cheap!
Cooling time!
After cooling, you will have a beautiful egg...but it might have some scraggly edges to remove.  This is normal and they rub right off!
Scraggly star
Pretty star!
I slice it in half and put it right in the bento!  You could garnish it though if you wanted.
And that's it!  Shaped eggs are so easy and cheap to make...and just might entice your picky eater to get a little protein.  So try something new and fun in those lunchboxes or afternoon snack plates!

Remember to become a follower!  I am VERY close to my goal and next giveaway!!!

12 comments:

  1. I have these molds and have found that you need to use a jumbo egg otherwise they aren't big enough to fill all the nooks and crannies and you just look like amebas. I love the way your eggs look after you cut them. Mine just looked misshapen.

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    1. Yes, the big egg is key. That's why I put all those stars! I use local farm eggs, so I have to look through my cartons to find the biggest ones! If yours are misshapen, perhaps they aren't hot enough when you put them in? Or maybe you are taking them out too soon? I would try both of those things and see if that fixes it :) Good luck!

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  2. We make these to and my kids LOVE them! So cool!

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    1. It's so funny how my daughter gobbles these up so fast, but hardly wants a regular hard boiled egg, haha! It's all about presentation, I guess!

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  3. How fun! I've never seen an egg mold before, but I bet kids love them! I'll have to get my hands on one when my baby girl is a little older :)

    ♥ Bethany

    www.happyhomemaker.me

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    1. They are so much fun- I started her on hard boiled eggs around 1 when they are allowed to have the whites!

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  4. I have never seen the molds before. How cute!! I am pinning this and am a new follower. I would love it if you would be willing to link up to our party going on now-Monday. Thanks

    http://www.kadie-sevenalive.blogspot.com/2012/01/link-it-up-thursday-4.html

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    1. Thanks Kadie! Will do- I am always looking for good linky's to join! I will follow back!

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  5. These crack me right up. I love how adorable they are. I don't take work outside of the home anymore, but I would definitely be a bento gal if I did. Thanks for sharing at our Link It Up Thursday party.

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    1. My daughter loves them! I make this a lot for her lunch to take to Mother's Day out once a week.

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  6. totally amazing to make those shaped eggs !

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  7. This is so cool! I had no idea you could shape eggs. I will definitely be trying this out for the Things. I'm following you back now. Your girls are precious!

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I love your comments! Thanks so much! Please understand that I try my best to reply, but I am not always able to!