Zunda Mochi

Zunda is a sweetened mashed green soybeans (edamame). It is a specialty of Miyagi Prefecture and Yamagata Prefecture, Japan.

Zunda is often used for dango or mochi (rice cake). The mochi with zunda is so called Zunda mochi.

Zunda is easy to make. Get edamame, and bring to boil. Mash boiled edamame by food processor with putting suger in,

Sanshoku soboro bento

Sanshoku soboro bento (三色そぼろ弁当). One of typical bento style in Japan. Sanshoku means three colors. The bento served with seasoned minced meat (soboro), scrambled eggs, and sliced peas on top of rice. It's enough to have a salad or simple vegetable dish for side dish because minced meats on the rice serves as main dish.

Year of the Sheep kyaraben

Kyaraben workshop sample. 2015 is the year of sheep based on the twelve branches (the 12-year animal), Chinese astrology. It is a scheme that relates each year to an animal and its reputed attributes according to a 12-year cycle.
The twelve branches is remains popular in several East Asian countries including China, Vietnam, Korea and Japan. In Japan, it is popular custom to send new year greeting with illustration of its year's animal.

Besides sheep onigiri (rice ball) and sheep cauliflowers, this bento includes some lucky charms.
- Turtle and crane (Origami)
The crane and the turtle are emblems of longevity.
- Led and white (Surimi)
Color combination of red and white symbols good fortune.

Bento en kyaraben workshop

Oshiruko

Shiruko (汁粉), or oshiruko (お汁粉), is a traditional Japanese dessert consisting of a sweet porridge of azuki beans, served in a bowl with mochi (rice cakes) or shiratama (rice‐flour dumplings). Chestnuts or sweet potatos are added sometimes. It is also called Zenzai, but the definition of "shiruko or zenzai" differs depending on the region.
During the winter in Japan, 'instant shiruko,' which becomes ready for eating with hot water having been poured in the cup just like the cup noodle. And 'shiruko drink' which comes in a can ready for drinking just like canned juice are provided in the store.

Japanse kookworkshop http://tokyodoll.web.fc2.com/workshop/japansekookworkshop.html