Bento for Two - 267.5 calorie-per-person bento

Sometimes hubbie and I coincide at the same client. Today was one of those days, so I planned a bento for two. Usually when this happens and others see us eating bentos, they finally find out that we are married (I go by my maiden name at work, so they have no clue). The cat is out of the bag! hahaha!

Bento Content:

• Sandwich with Roast Beef & Prepared Horseradish Sauce (194)
• Salmon Salad Sandwich (224)
• Mini Pepper Strips (7)
• Mixed Olives (50)
• Salt & Pepper Crisps (60)

Total Calories per person : 267.5

Total Bento : 535 calories

Mangu with Sides - 240 calorie Bento

Mashed plantains are called Mangu in Dominican Republic, while in Cuba and Africa they are called Fufu. In Africa, Fufu might be combined with other root veggies like Yucca (Cassava) or maybe Yams. I grew up eating this - maybe it is an acquired taste. Those who have never seen it usually are not impressed by how it looks, but their opinion change once they taste it.

Mangu is made out of green plantains. I love Mangu anyway I can have it, but if the green plantains are beginning to ripen (but not entirely), it makes for a bit sweeter mash. Also, many people sautee onions and put it on top. Very yummy!

Bento Content:

• Mangu (116)
• Molded Egg (77)
• Grape Tomatoes (12)
• Laughing Cow Wedge Light (35)

Total Bento : 240 calories

Brie on Tomato-Basil Tortillas & Blistered Tomatoes - 327 calorie Bento

I found the greatest tortilla wraps for only 71 calories, 2 gr of fat and 234 mg of sodium. They taste yummy too! I took one of these tortillas and cut rounds out of them. Then I topped with Brie - yeah, I know - but it sort of balances out with the low calorie tortilla...Sort of! The Tortilla is called Tomato-Basil Tortilla Wrap - Xtreme Wellness by Ole Mexican Foods. Got them at the local supermarket.

I accompanied them with Blistered Tomatoes with Herbs de Provence. Turned out to be a very good combo.

Bento Content:

• Tortilla Rounds (71)
• 2 oz. Brie (200)
• Blistered Grape Tomatoes with Herbs de Provence (56)

Total Bento : 327 calories

Chicken Mix & Carrots & Mash - 209 calories Bento

I made the chicken out of a leftover roasted skinless & boneless chicken breast. I sliced up sweet onions, mini peppers and a few black olives. I added a teensy bit of red wine - just a tiny dash.

I steamed the carrots with granulated garlic, made some mashed potatoes and baked in the oven.

Very fast, very tasty!

Bento Content:

• Chicken with Veggies (70)
• Garlicky Carrots (14)
• Potato Mash (59)
• Strawberries (24)
• Fresh Mini Mandarin Segments (42)

Total Bento : 209 calories

Spicy Drumsticks & Cauliflower Bake - 329 calorie Bento

This is an easy meal to prepare. No stove - all oven!

For the Drumsticks: Mix equal parts of Teriyaki sauce with Prepared Horseradish sauce - about 2 tbsp each. Marinate chicken drumsticks in the sauce. Bake in oven until cooked through. Shouldn't take more than 20 minutes.

For the Cauliflower Bake: Cooked cauliflower florets - loosely mashed to produce crumbles. Mix with egg white (I used the ones in the container), sprinkle Bacos (I did this on a whim), chopped scallions, Mrs. Dash of your preference, dash of salt & pepper. Spray an oven-safe pan. Combine all ingredients well and pour into pan. Cook in oven until almost set. Sprinkle a little bit of bread crumbs on top and continue to bake until egg is completely set.

Bento Content:

• Spicy Drumsticks (194)
• Grape Tomatoes (25)
• Grapes (8)
• Cauliflower Bake (102)

Total Bento : 329 calories

Vaca Frita & Moro - 273 calorie Bento

So, I went Cuban for this one. I made the Vaca Frita - literally 'Fried Cow' - and accompanied by Moro de Habichuelas Negras (Rice with Black Beans).

I was kind of shocked when I looked at the calorie counts some websites have for Vaca Frita - most in the upper 700-range per serving. When I looked closely at their recipes, I noticed the amount of oil they are using. I have never used that amount of oil even when I was not trying to watch my fat intake. Needless to say, my version is WAY less in calories than those I found on the internet. Yay!

Bento Content:

• Moro de Habichuelas Negras (106)
• Vaca Frita (153)
• Cantaloupe (14)

Total Bento : 273 calories

Spicy Black Bean Spread Pinwheels & Salad - 235 calorie Bento

This was a very, very quick bento to put together. It was also very tasty! The pinwheel filling is simply Trader Joe's Spicy Black Bean Spread/Dip. I was going to put some meat in it, but decided against it. I made the right choice! No need for meat this time.

Bento Content:

• Spicy Black Bean Pinwheels (208)
• Green Leaf Lettuce & Grape Tomato Salad (27)

Total Bento: 235 calories