bento tools + tips

A run-down of some of my favorite bento tools and their corresponding tips.

Also, with my posts, you can click the photo if you want to see a larger size -- it'll just take you to my flickr page.


1. sauce containers

My mom found this super fun sauce container in Tokyo. I love it! I use it for sauces, dressing, and ketchup.




I also have ones with animal shaped caps, like this bear and panda.



The set also came with an elephant and what I think is a cat.




2. toothpicks

I also use the plain wooden ones, but the plastic ones are just so cute!



Toothpick use ideas:
Keep wrap sandwiches from unraveling
Spear mini pickles
Spear a row of de-shelled edamame to make a caterpillar shape
Alternate cherry tomatoes with little balls of mozzarella and some basil for a Caprese salad on a stick
With the animal-shaped ones, spear rice so it looks like the animals are walking around on top


3. furikake holder

Not just for furikake! You could use them for sugar, sprinkles, mini chocolate chips, salt, pepper, sesame seeds... anything dry and small. Then you can add the perfect amount of salt/furikake/whatever each time.




4. furikake stencils

Again, not just for furikake! It would be cute to use it with confectioner's sugar to add a design to the top of a cake. Or add some artful sprinkles to a container of pudding.

Place the stencil on the rice.




Then sprinkle the furikake on top and around the stencil. Gently lift the stencil and you're left with a shape!






Furikake stencil tips (for using on top of rice):
It works best on warm or hot rice
Flatten the rice so you have an even surface
Lift the stencil gently


5. small containers

Let me clarify: small containers to put inside of bento boxes. It's especially useful when you don't want flavors to mix together. I have small plastic containers in a pie-quarter shape, rounds, and squares. I use them ALL THE TIME.

Keeping the pesto separate from fried chicken.




Or keeping kimchi from spreading its flavors onto everything else.




Additionally, I own two fun shapes; a flower and a bunny.



Here they are in action!




So, what are your favorite bento tools?