A bento box for active kids

Step 1

First, cook some rice and if want to make it extra fun, drop in a little blue (vegetable based) food colouring.

Step 2

Next, cover the bottom of the bento box (normal tupperware is fine too) with the kale crisps. Make sure they touch the edges snuggly.

Step 3

Lay the rice on top of the kale and press it down with a tablespoon to create a firm layer. Yes, this should pass Squidball sports field regulations.

Step 4

Now, mark out your sports field with cheese: cut two semicircles from a slice of cheddar (you can trace around a glass rim or small bowl). Then place a thin strip of cheese down the middle. You can make this look like a football, basketball or baseball field.

Step 5

The field looks ready, so drop the mini squids on and add a ball (you can use a cherry tomato, a radish, or anything small, round and delicious). Marvellous, don’t you think?

Step 6

Add a few more balls on the side in case the match ball gets, you know, eaten.

Step 7

Now time for the medal – your little champions’ treat. You can make this using a chocolate coin or biscuit and use your creativity for the ribbon. Candy ribbons are fun but a little naughty. You can make them out of anything you think your little one will love.

A few extra tips to make any bento amazing:

• Tip 1. The right ratio for a bento box is 50% carbs, 25% protein, 12,5% fruit, 12,5% veggies
• Tip 2. Pack it in tight… that way, everything will be in the same place when your little one opens it. So, no sauces.
• Tip 3. The more colours, the better. But go easy on food colouring and use natural colours where possible.
• Tip 4. Cupcake cases can make good dividers to chop your box into neat sections.