Leaf Impressions for Your Bento
The skies are grayer, the winds are wetter and the bentos put on their autumn best! I like to add “leaves” to my bentos during this time of year.
Here’s an easy way to create life-like leaves for your own Halloween or autumn themed bento box luches.
Using baked yams or squash, I like the latter because they’re firmer, cut out leaf shapes using cookie cutters.
Using the back side of a shiso leaf, gently press into the food item using the tip of your finger and brush outwards with even, short strokes. Do not use heavy pressure.
If you cannot find shiso leaves, you can use another edible veggie leaf like lettuce or carrot tops.
Carefully lift the shiso leaf and admire your work. If you like deeper impressions, use a pick to trace some of the veins to make them stand out.
Here’s a recent bento box featuring autumn leaves created in the same manner.
I’m also posting this as an entry to the Foodninja contest that La Fuji Mama, Bellalimento and Salty Seattle are hosting. Please vote for me!
A beautiful way to bring autumn spirit to bento, thanks for sharing this inspired technique
!
That’s awesome! “Crafty”! And definitely foodninja material for sure. Gonna try this fun technique
what a wonderful idea!
Wow! This is so nice!
Great idea! You are always an inspiration.
A HA!! something I’d definitely do, thanks for sharing this wonderful idea.
Jenn, sherimiya,Tiffany,Prince n Princess mum, Sara and Lina, Thanks for your sweet comments!
Nice Food Ninja skills! What an easy way to add beautiful detail.
Thanks SB!
What a great idea! Thanks. :O)
Great tutorial! And what an inspired idea to use real leaves to create the vein impressions.
Thanks for posting this!
Thanks for the great tutorial, the falling leaves are lovely! I’ve voted for you in the foodninja contest along with Sheri & Sonoma Bento! Hooray for all our bentoist!
Thanks for the tutorial. Voted for you! All the best!
this is a GENIUS method — the leaves look beautiful, i can’t wait to try this. thanks so much for sharing debra!!