Ingredients:

  • 4 oz cubed mild cheddar cheese
  • 4 oz deli turkey or ham
  • 1 cup hard-boiled eggs, peeled and halved
  • 6 pieces chilled chicken nuggets
  • 1 cup buttered noodles or rotini
  • 1 cup whole grain crackers or pretzels
  • 1 slice whole wheat toast, cut into small squares
  • 1 mini whole wheat pita, sliced into wedges
  • 1/2 cup cucumber slices, peeled
  • 1/2 cup baby carrots or steamed carrot coins
  • 1/2 cup seedless grapes or blueberries
  • 1/2 cup apple slices
  • 1 tbsp raisins or dried cranberries
  • 1 small piece of dark chocolate or a mini cookie
  • 2 tbsp yogurt with a drizzle of honey

Instructions:

  1. Wash and dry all produce thoroughly.
  2. Use cookie cutters to shape slices of cheese or deli meat into stars or hearts to increase visual appeal.
  3. If using apple slices, soak them in a bowl of cold salted water for 5 minutes, then rinse, to prevent browning.
  4. Place the chosen 'Safe' Treat in the smallest bento compartment first.
  5. Fill the largest compartment with the chosen Base/Grain.
  6. Position the selected Protein and Produce in the remaining sections, ensuring items do not touch.