Berry Nutty Bento, #SundaySupper

As autumn draws near do you find yourself slowing down or moving faster? Currently, Boulder, Colorado buzzes with the return of college kids. The youthful energy is palpable. Red shopping carts zigzag like bumper cars down the aisles of Target. The scene is reminiscent of Tokyo’s Tsukiji fish markets where quick action is required to snatch the best tuna.

Still, as I prepare our newly acquired condo as a haven for responsible executives and clean-living vacationers, I’m breathing a bit deeper. I am in awe of the mountains here. Like elegant grande dames, they rise to the sky with dignity. Steady and strong they stand even as cumulus clouds gather and lightening strikes.



Colorado's Rocky Mountains

Photo Courtesy of 123rf.com


The bounty of Mother Nature in Boulder almost makes up for the lack of LA's Japanese markets. (Although, I was over the moon to spot Pocky - Japanese biscuits coated in chocolate and other flavors - at King Soopers.) During the day, birdsongs are heard; at night, crickets chirp. Bunny rabbits have also said hello. (15 minutes away prairie dogs and horses roam, too!)

 

Tigers, lions and bears, oh my!
A fun peanut butter sandwich surprise for any bento lunch box.


Sitting on the porch of our condo, the famous Flatirons rock formations of Boulder, Colorado’s Green Mountain are seen. One of the Flatirons is called Bear Peak. What do bears eat? Berries and nuts! Hence, the inspiration for my Berry Nutty Bento.

Hip college kids may not appreciate the lunch box starring a teddy bear peanut butter sandwich. However, I’m confident kids of any age will love my chock full of berries Berry Delicious Muffins which are also featured in the bento box.

For more bento recipes and how-tos:
Quinoa Doburi and Mini Bento with Beef-Free Beefy Crumbles

The Ninja Baker's Cookie Bento

Super Bowl Bento

Today’s Twitter #SundaySupper chat is all about going back to school. (Please scroll down for your invite to join the conversation.) Mommy of 2, creative cook and crafter, Tammi of Momma's Meals will host.

Berry Delicious Muffins & Berry Nutty Bento

The Ninja Baker's Berry Delicious Muffin is moist and dense with berries which tickle the palate with pleasure. A trace of ginger lingers on the tongue. (If a stronger ginger taste is preferred, increase the suggested measurement.) Both the muffin and bento are happy-making ways to slip into any season.

The Ninja Baker's Berry Delicious Muffin recipe is inspired by Julie Richardson's Berry Long Cake with Ginger Crumb and the Quick Blueberry Muffin recipe on the back of the Norpro muffin tin package.

Ingredients: 

For the bento:

  • 2 slices of bread
  • 2 tablespoons peanut butter
  • A handful of cranberries
  • A handful of walnuts

For the topping:

  • 2/3 cup Demerara sugar
  • ½ cup flour
  • ½ cup diced candied ginger
  • 8 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger

For the muffin:

  • 1½ cups flour
  • ¼ cup cornmeal
  • 2½ teaspoons baking powder
  • Generous pinch of salt
  • 1 cup mixed berries, fresh or thawed frozen
  • 1/3 cup butter, melted
  • ¾ cup milk
  • 2 eggs, slightly beaten
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
Directions: 

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.

For the topping:
Combine all the ingredients together in a bowl. Place in the freezer while you mix up the muffins.

For the muffin:
Whisk together the flour, cornmeal, baking powder and salt.
Add the berries.
Pour in the butter.
Stir in the milk.
Next the eggs and the soupçon of vanilla.

Scoop the muffin batter into mini or regular sized tins lined with cupcake cases. Break the frozen topping and sprinkle atop the muffins.

Bake in a 400 degree oven.
18 minutes for minis, 32 minutes for the regular sized muffins.

For the bento:
With a cookie cutter, cut a teddy bear out of the bread.
Spread with peanut butter.
Place in the bento box and surround with cranberries, walnuts and muffins.

Back to School Beginnings

Back to School Lunches and Simple Suppers

Back to School Sips

Back to School Super Snacks

Back to School Sweets and Treats

Sunday Supper Movement
Join the #SundaySupper conversation on Twitter on Sunday! We tweet throughout the day and share recipes from all over the world. Our weekly chat starts at 7 p.m. ET. Follow the #SundaySupper hashtag and remember to include it in your tweets to join in the chat. To get more great Sunday Supper Recipes, visit our website or check out our Pinterest board.


Would you like to join the Sunday Supper Movement? It’s easy. You can sign up by clicking here: Sunday Supper Movement.

Wishing you berry delicious moments to savor the change of seasons.

The Ninja Baker

© ™ Watkinson 2012

The Ninja Baker has guest blogged and contributed recipes to numerous food sites. These additional recipes can be found here.

 

 

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