Bento System 2.0 is here!

New this Summer!

Bento 2.0

THREE new products joined the Laptop Lunches product line on July 1st!

*Exclusive New Colors and Designs
*Deeper Bento Box
*3 Water-tight Containers
*All-stainless Utensils

The Flower Fun and Alien Bento Systems 2.0 are ideal for families who embrace the bento concept for its function and sustainable style, but value the insulation and appeal of the traditional lunchbox. This waste-free lunch kit comes with an insulated carrying case, an outer bento container, 5 inner food containers (3 with water-tight lids), a water bottle, a set of stainless steel utensils, and a book of creative lunch ideas. The insulated carrying case is made with 100% recycled polypropylene fabric.



Bento Buddies 2.0 Can be used on their own directly inside a lunchbox:



OR



Inside the Bento 2.0 outer container for additional configurations and for busy days when parents need an extra set of clean inner containers.


NOTE: Bento Buddies 2.0 are compatible with the Bento System 2.0. They DO NOT fit inside the original Laptop Lunches Bento Set.

Color options: berry, lime, and pink.

These products contain NO PVC, phthalates, bisphenol A (BPA), or lead.

For more information, visit www.laptoplunches.com.

Refried Roll-ups

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Menu

* Steamed Yams
* Refried Roll-ups
* Jicama Sticks
* Salsa
* Fresh Organic Blueberries


Preparation Notes

Loved by both adults and children, this nutrient-rich lunch is fresh and delicious. Blueberries are in abundance this time of year, and they add balance to the orange, white, red, and green of the surrounding colors. Notice the variety of textures as well: crunchy jicama, juicy blueberries, crisp spinach, and creamy yams. It's got the word satisfying written all over it!

Peel, cube, steam, and chill the yams.

Peel and cut the jicama into sticks.

Add salsa to the dip container to be used with the roll-ups and jicama sticks.

Place a handful of blueberries in one of the medium containers.

Prepare the roll-up as follows: Place a whole wheat tortilla or lavash on a cutting board. Layer evenly with the following: refried beans, sliced avocado, chopped fresh cilantro, fresh spinach leaves, and shredded cheese (optional). Roll up tightly and slice crosswise.

Simple Caesar Salad

This recipe is a very quick version of the classic Caesar, and it tastes great!

Makes 4 large servings

1. Place the following dressing ingredients in a large salad bowl:

* 1 large clove garlic, pressed
* 1 tbs Worcestershire sauce
* 1 tbs lemon juice
* 1 tbs extra virgin olive oil

2. Stir dressing well.
3. Add 20 romaine lettuce leaves, torn into bite-size pieces and toss.
4. Sprinkle with 1/3 cup shredded Parmesan or Romano cheese.
5. Toast 1 slice of whole wheat bread, cut it into cubes for croutons, and sprinkle on top of the salad. (optional)

Breakfast for Lunch

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Menu

* Garlic Potatoes
* Garden Tomato Salsa
* Fresh Apricots
* Whole Wheat Biscuits
* Scrambled Eggs


Preparation Notes

It's fun to change it up a bit at lunchtime by packing breakfast for lunch. Kids, in particular, seem to get a real kick out of this surprising change in their routine. Whole wheat biscuits are quick and easy to prepare, especially when making them with a friend or family member.

Prepare the potatoes as follows: Shred two potatoes, saute in a small amount of olive oil, add minced garlic and saute until cooked all the way through. Then add fresh scallions and herbs. (Parsley or basil works well.) Add salt, pepper, and paprika to taste.

Add two apricots.

Bake the biscuits. (We love the recipe from the Tassajara Cookbook http://www.shambhala.com/html/catalog/items/isbn/978-1-57062-089-8.cfm.)

Scramble two eggs the way you like them.

Spoon some salsa into the dip container to enjoy with the potatoes and/or the eggs.

New Bento Colors!

We've just added some brand new bento colors: black and orange, black and purple, and pink and purple to our Web site at http://secure.laptoplunches.com/AMAZING/items.asp?Cc=BENTO&Bc=. We've put together about 100 in each color combo--just for fun. When they're gone, they're gone. Please check them out when you have a moment!

Tangy Yams

This dish is so good!

Makes about 4 servings.

1. Cut a large yam into 3/4-inch cubes.
2. Cut 1 medium onion into medium-size pieces.
3. Mince 2 garlic cloves.
4. Heat 1 tbs olive oil in a large fry pan and add the minced garlic. Heat until pungent.
5. Add chopped onions and cubed yams, and saute until tender.
6. Season with garam masala (available in the spice aisle) to taste.
7. Sprinkle with 2 tbs orange juice.

Lunch From the Farm

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Menu

* Fresh Watermelon
* Steamed Fresh Green Beans
* Carrot Sticks
* Herbed Bread Sticks
* Soft Goat Cheese

Preparation Notes

Expecting some heat this summer? Toting this fresh, colorful lunch will surely cool you down during the hot summer months. Soft goat cheese makes a delicious dip for bread sticks, carrots, and green beans, and juicy watermelon is a delicious finish to any fresh meal. Need we say more?

Cut up the watermelon.

Steam the green beans.

Cut a carrot into sticks.

Add a handful of bread sticks.

Fill the dip container with soft goat cheese.