Think Inside the Bento Box!

Mediterranean Bento Box

Making a bento box for lunch on the go is as easy as raiding your fridge or the antipasto bar at the store!

Grilled Chicken

Dolmas (stuffed grape leaves)

Beet Hummus

Marinated Feta Cheese & Olives

Cherry Tomatoes

Pita Chips

Dried Apricots

Dark Chocolate

Instructions

1. Start by preparing the grilled chicken:

• Season the chicken breasts with your preferred Mediterranean spices, such as oregano, thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

• Grill the chicken until fully cooked and slightly charred on the outside.

• A llow the chicken to cool before slicing it into thin strips or bite-sized pieces.

2. Next, arrange the ingredients in your bento box container as follows:

• Section 1: Place the grilled chicken slices or pieces in this section.

• Section 2: Add stuffed grape leaves. They can be purchased pre-made or prepared at home.

• Section 3: Fill with beet hummus.

• Section 4: Combine marinated feta cheese and olives in this section. Use a variety of olives, along with feta cheese cubes or crumbles. Drizzle a little bit of the marinade over the cheese and olives for added flavor.

• Section 5: Arrange a handful of cherry tomatoes in this section.

• Section 6: Fill with pita chips or toasted pita bread triangles. These can be used for dipping into the beet hummus or enjoyed on their own.

• Section 7: Add a handful of dried apricots to this section. They provide a sweet and chewy contrast to the other savory components.

• Section 8: Finally, place a couple of pieces of dark chocolate in this section as a delightful dessert.

Meet Diana Smedley, the Gift Box lady! She’s the powerhouse behind Lancaster Gift Box, a local gift company that supports 75+ Pennsylvania brands in their retail shop and online. Diana started her career in food as a cooking teacher and preserves maker, and turned that passion into Lancaster Gift Box. She sources the finest food and home goods from Pennsylvania in her downtown shop and online store. When Diana is not making fabulous gift boxes, you can find her in her garden with her husband and their cavapoo, Luca.

Hot Italian Bento Box

Making a sandwich roll-up the night before is a time-saving hack. Pack your bento with everything but the crunchy crackers, and store in the fridge overnight—your morning will be a little more relaxing.

• Place the roll-up in the bento box, leaving out the crunchy crackers for the next day.

2. Next, arrange the ingredients in your bento box container as follows:

Rainbow Cookie

Pistachios

Dried Apricots

Sliced Cucumbers

Kalamata Olives

Instructions

1. Start by preparing the Italian sub roll-ups:

• L ayer the ingredients on the tortilla in the order listed above. Roll up the tortilla tightly, making sure the fillings are secured inside.

• Optionally, you can secure the roll-up with toothpicks or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to keep it together.

• Section 1: Fill this section with taralli crackers. These crunchy crackers will complement the flavors of the Italian sub roll-up.

• Section 2: Add a generous portion of red pepper hummus to this section. You can either make it from scratch or purchase pre-made hummus from a store.

• Section 3: Place pickled peppers and green beans in this section. You can use store-bought pickled peppers or prepare your own at home.

• Section 4: Add a rainbow cookie to this section. This sweet treat will provide a delightful dessert component to your bento box.

• Section 5: Fill this section with pistachios. They add a satisfying crunch and a touch of saltiness.

• Section 6: Arrange a handful of dried apricots in this section. They provide a sweet and chewy contrast to the other components.

• Section 7: Place sliced cucumbers in this section. They will add a refreshing and hydrating element to the bento box.

• Section 8: Add a handful of Kalamata olives to this section. These flavorful olives will add a Mediterranean touch to the bento box.

Parisian Bento Box

This bento box is the grown-up version of the typical lunch of my childhood—cheese, meat, crackers, a piece of fruit, and a sweet treat from my mom. Treat yourself to a little sweet something to round out your lunch break. (Pack this up with a bottle of wine for a weekend picnic!)

Rosemary Crackers

Prosciutto

Hard-Boiled Eggs

Grainy Mustard

Gherkin Pickles

Fresh Figs

Comté Cheese

Almonds

French Macarons

Instructions

1. Start by preparing the hard-boiled eggs:

• Place the eggs in a saucepan and cover them with water. Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat.

• Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the eggs simmer for about 9-12 minutes.

• Remove the eggs from the heat and transfer them to an ice bath to cool.

• Once cooled, peel the eggs and set them aside.

2. Next, arrange the ingredients in your bento box container as follows:

• Section 1: Fill this section with rosemary crackers. These savory and fragrant crackers will pair well with any of the other components.

• Section 2: Layer prosciutto slices in this section. You can fold or roll the slices for easy consumption.

• Section 3: Add the hard-boiled eggs to this section. You can leave them whole or slice them in half.

• Section 4: Place grainy mustard in a small dipping container or portion cup in this section. This tangy mustard will complement the prosciutto and eggs.

• Section 5: Add gherkin pickles to this section. These tangy and crunchy pickles provide a delightful contrast to the other flavors.

• Section 6: Arrange fresh figs in this section. Cut them into halves or quarters, depending on their size.

• Section 7: Fill this section with slices or cubes of Comté cheese. Comté is a delicious French cheese with a nutty flavor.

• Section 8: Add a handful of almonds to this section. They add a satisfying crunch and pair well with the other components in the box.

• Section 9: Place French macarons in this section. These delicate and sweet treats are a classic addition to any Parisian-inspired bento box.

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