How-To Celebrate May the 4th in Quarantine

  Besides obviously binge-watching all the old Star Wars movies and driving your kids insane quoting Obi-Wan, there are many unique ways to celebrate the iconic sci-fi characters of our youth. While admittedly I didn't do much to mark the day in 2020--I had an online Zoom PT appointment, went swimming, tried to fix a running toilet myself and remove some peeling ceiling paint, and unpacked a giant food order from the restaurant supply company, zzzzz--in the past, I have made sure my children go out into the world wearing appropriate Star Wars clothing toting a themed bento.
  Over the years, I made many Star Wars bentos. The pic of one in particular, Chewbacca, was reposted/stolen/etc literally hundreds of times online. Here's a nostalgic throwback (a day late) from my bento universe...

  Besides lunches, the older two boys used to be really into Star Wars. They dressed up as Darth Vader for Halloween, role played characters, & built Lego ships. They even pooled their allowances for 9 months to buy the Lego Death Star.

Star Wars Monopoly

Darth Vader vs. Yoda

Star Wars Lego

  Nowadays, I'm the only one who gets into themed meals. I've been having fun with the Black Spire Outpost cookbook:

It's fun reading, even if you don't feel like cooking.

However, most of the recipes are easily veganizable!

  Given that my #1 bento post of all time starred soba noodles, here is a cold soba noodle dish that I make all the time. I add whatever vegetables & seaweeds I have on hand, and I switch proteins around for variety (ie. omit edamame & top with seared tofu or steamed tempeh, etc). I love topping with sauteed shiitake mushrooms, but my husband hates mushrooms so do what you want.

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Soba & Seaweed

2 bunches soba noodles
1 medium carrot, julienned

3-4 tiny baby bok choy, washed & sliced in half
2 T. dried seaweed, broken into small pieces (they expand a lot when rehydrated)

1/2 cup frozen, shelled edamame
2 scallions
1/2 tsp. grated ginger
2 tsp. toasted sesame oil
1 T. soy sauce

sriracha to taste (we love Yellow Bird brand)

Slice carrots, bok choy & scallions.
Boil a medium pot of water & add soba noodles, carrot, bok choy, seaweed, & edamame. Reduce heat to medium. Cook 6 minutes. Drain in collander, rinse with cold water, then drain well. Place in a medium bowl.
Add ginger, sesame oil & soy sauce. Toss to coat. Sprinkle with scallions & sriracha. Serve.

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