Bentos # 74 - 77

Bento #77

Anpanman

~ You know I am not familiar with this Japanese cartoon character, nor have I watch it on TV/DVD before. But it seems fairly popular with Japanese kids. Apparently there are many characters too.

I couldn't think what to do with a round bun so thought this would be the best (if not easiest) way to decorate it! I'm glad it didn't disappoint.

Its amazing how many facial expression I can get using the same props. Just by placing it at a different angle or place, you get a different facial expression. The combination can be quite extensive (I suppose) but since I didn't have the luxury of time, here is what I came up with. I must confess I had fun fiddling with the faces! ;)

At the end of the day, I realize that hiding behind those over-sized red big cheeks, Anpanman is really just a smiley face man or is that a 'face' with a smile!?

Hope you enjoy the many sides of Anpanman who at the end of the day is just a simple round face!! Lolz

Bento #76

Breakfast bento - Cheese buns, some rolled omelet, sliced apples and a Ben 10 card.

Bento #75

Dinner bento - Pizza and some salad.

Bento #74

Breakfast bento - Oreo muffin (more on this on another post), some heart shape tamagoyaki, endamame, fruit loops and a Ben 10 card.

Very vanilla panna cotta with strawberry coulis

'Panna Cotta' literally means cooked cream. This dessert is a rich and creamy custard.

The slightly tangy but refreshing strawberry coulis was perfect served as an accompaniment with the sweet dessert. M, who is not keen on strawberries due to its sour tartness, was enjoying every bite.

Thanks to MW for sharing her recipe with me. Always had the impression that panna cotta were difficult to make. I was wrong - it is SUPER easy and taste so good!

I made this to bring to my friends house where we celebrated New Year Eve together. Since it was so well received (I only got a small spoonful to taste), I decided to repeat it for dessert at my family's New Year dinner. The bonus part is that it is so easy to make.

This is what I brought to my friend's house. I got the dinner dates wrong and it was a mad rush around to get the ingredients and prepare it all within an hour! Glad it turn out ok as I was afraid it would not coagulate or the worst, too firm for a panna cotta.

For my family's New Year dinner, I had more time and allowed the panna cotta to set overnight, allowing the flavours to mellow further. DH commented that it tasted better overnight compared to the earlier panna cotta.

Since we were having these at home, I decided to make individual ramekin servings.

All the 'heavier' vanilla beans sank to the bottom, leaving a nice pattern! ;)
Hm, I suppose I could have served it the other side up too. Ha ha