The Modern Minimalist

Finding joy with the simple ways of life.

[thebentomom-blog]

Aglio e Olio Prawn Pasta

What you need: 1/2 kilo prawn, peeled and tail on 3 cloves of garlic chopped 1 tbsp olive oil A dash of lemon juice 300 grams fettuccini Lemon zest Parmesan cheese Lemon for garnishing Chopped parsley Salt and pepper to taste Directions: Boil water and add salt and a little oil to cook the pasta for 11mins until al dente, set aside. On a pan, saute garlic with olive oil, add prawns until cooked, add lemon juice and a bit of salt and pepper. Toss cooked prawn and olive oil into the pasta, add lemon zest, top with chopped parsley and parmesan cheese.

[thebentomom-blog]

It's 7:28 in the morning, the usual Monday-Wednesday routine since Blake started going to pre-school, prep his snacks and lunch. #whatsinthebox ? For snack time, I know it is not healthy, but his request yesterday was his favourite strawberry glazed doughnuts, Pro Live probiotic and mandarin slices. His lunchbox has green grapes, @arnottsbiscuits Raspberry shortcake, golden circle drink, a portion of rice and chicken popcorn which I bought from the grocery the other day, I am thinking to make my own chicken popcorn since I will try to cross out process food from my shopping list next time, will it be a success, I'll share the recipe to y'all.

[thebentomom-blog]

So this was Blake's lunch and snacks today. For snacks he had mandarin slices, #ritzbiscuits, #yoplait banana yoghurt and probiotic drink. And for his lunch, he had what is supposed to be a baked macaroni pasta, but I used his dinosaur pasta instead to make his lunchtime fun, 3 pieces of #Kitkat , green grapes, ham and cheese sandwich roll and sultana light cupcake. #imbentomom #thebentomum #imBentoMum #kindergartenlife

[thebentomom-blog]

Cooked seared basa fillet, topped with grilled pineapples, sided with corn and steamed broccoli glazed with balsamic reduction.

What you need: Dory or Basa fillet Whole pineapples cut Broccoli florets, blanched A cup of frozen corn sauté with butter, or simple heated in the microwave for 2 minutes high. Salt and pepper to taste

Balsamic redection: ½ cup balsamic vinegar 1/3 tbsp sugar (honey, optional)

Direction: Preheat non-stick pan with medium heat, brush with olive oil or cooking oil.

Season fish with salt and pepper, cook each side and set aside. For the balsamic reduction, put the balsamic vinegar in a small pot with sugar or honey simmer and reduce to half or until the sauce is thick enough to cover the back of the spoon. Plate together with your blanched broccoli and corn, drizzle with balsamic reduction and ready to serve

[thebentomom-blog]

This morning’s packed lunch and snacks for my kindy. What's in the box? Embutido, plain white rice, buttered mixed vegetables, green grapes cut into half to avoid choking, small probiotic drink, yoghurt, baby banana cake, 2 french macarons, ham and cheese mini sandwiches and a bottle of water. #imBENTOmum #imBentoMom 15.03.17

[thebentomom-blog]

Blake will wake up anytime soon. It was holiday yesterday so we’re starting the school day on a Tuesday, as usual, I came from a night shift and prep Blake’s lunch and snacks today. He doesn’t eat breakfast straight away so I always make sure he has enough food in his lunch box. The good thing with his pre-school is they allow kids to eat whenever they feel hungry. What’s in the box? Rice and Embutido (Spanish-Filipino style meat loaf) #Cadbury mini chocolate-raspberry roll, halved green grapes and baked beans. For snacks or whenever he feels hungry, are 2 baby size banana cakes, strawberry milkshake in a bottle and banana yoghurt.

14.03.17

[thebentomom-blog]

I hope I won’t be running out of ideas of how will make my son’s lunchtime fun and exciting at school. What's in the box? Dinosaur pasta with pesto, ham and cheese rolls, Hello Panda strawberry filled biscuits, buttered corn, Vienna sausages bites and #Yoplait yoghurt.

[thebentomom-blog]

Yesterday was my son’s first day in school and like any other moms, I want to make sure that he gets the proper nutrition even he’s away from home. I came home from work around 6:10am, took a shower and a quick nap. My alarm went on around 8am and I dashed all the way to the kitchen to prepare his lunch; chicken sausage bites, our staple food rice, halved fresh grapes and strawberries, buttered corn, a serving of Pro-live (Yakult counter part here in Australia that is available in Costco.) and plenty of water.

[thebentomom-blog]

It is more than just a designation not just a given title nor a typical role. It's not just wearing the jacket nor putting on the toque, It takes a lot of effort, dedication, discipline, respect, reputation, leadership, knife skills, an epicure from street food to fine dining to be called a chef.. So I call my self a "wife" who cooks the best meal I can for my husband and kid.

[thebentomom-blog]

Being a chef is one of my frustrations in life, I took certificate 2 in commercial cookery and was trained in to reputable hotels in Manila & Pampanga Right even before the “Culinary Era” emerged and before all Chef-wannabes ever existed. But sexism in the industry is extreme that is why it is hard to get in. Anyway I’ve always wanted to do this every morning but I don’t always have the luxury of time due to the nature and of my schedule at work. Yesterday, my husband and son woke up early and knowing how boys get so hungry in the morning, I cooked them a big breakfast when I came home from work. Fluffy pancake stacks, sausages, chips (fries) because i couldn’t find hash-browns from the freezer, baked beans, scrambles and freshly made banana-strawberry smoothie. My husband is so delighted to have what I’ve made for a change because we usually grab takeaways which I think is convenient but unhealthy and expensive in the long run. I should practise doing this again like a full time mum and wife and I can monitor what they eat that is on the top of my list this new year!