Hi bento pals! Yesterday was dark, rainy and windy, the perfect kind of day to be indoors and make a cozy casserole. After reading several recipe options on Epicurious, I found this one for an easy cassoulet with savory, smokey flavors...made a few changes to the recipe, omitting the lima beans, substituting organic andouille chicken sausage for kielbasa, and adding olive-oil browned chicken thighs, baby bella mushrooms and red wine.
Our kitchen was filled with spicy, warming scents as we enjoyed dinner to the sound of rain...
Sauteed fennel slices rounded out the meal--I love how they take on a sweet and caramelized quality so easily after a few minutes in the skillet.
Today is radiant, clear and mild, the air cleansed by the rain, plants and trees seem happy with all the moisture they soaked in...
Lunch made use of the abundant cassoulet leftovers, plus chanterelles for more autumn flavor! Fennel complements the smokey flavors...as does an endive filled with Gorgonzola dolce, walnuts and a touch of walnut oil--yum!
Radish and baby endive, tart green apple, mango "flower", crystallized ginger and a madeline cookie with orange preserve glaze also in the bento. Edible garnishes include flowering thyme, fennel fronds, oregano and a tiny viola!
28 comments:
I am sitting here, eating my salad and thinking... "What a slacker I am!" Your bento luncheon is delectable. A feast for the eyes and tummy. Glad the weather cleared and you are having a beautiful day.
This is stunning! I love all the warmth that it gives off. Lovely fall photo too! Sometimes it's nice to just stay inside and listen to the rain...eating comfort food :D
Hi Robin! Leftovers are the best bento items--I put this one together in maybe 5 minutes :) Thanks for your visit and sweet comments, hope your Wednesday has been lovely. I was inspired by your recent cozy dishes to do this one!
Hi Lyndsey! Thanks so much! I imagine your kitchen must be the heart of your home, as you put together yet another exotic, flavorful menu :D
Fantastic nature picture! Ah... we don´t have that landscape anymore. Everything is so grey and dead..
So autumn colors and flavors! :), that cassoulet is so comforting..
Hi karaimame! Thanks for your kind comments :D!
Chantarelles? SO SO PRETTY! Really just exactly the right color and fragrance for autumn. I feel so cozy looking at your cassoulet in your wooden earthy box with the beauty of Fall all around. Love it!
Yet to have my lunch and feel so hungry by just looking at your bento! Haha...Love the little touch of the tiny blue flower.
Edible flower?Cool!btw please check on my recent post about blogger award!and claim yours! (^o^)/ congratz!
I love caserole, agree with u, perfect dish for the stay at home during the cool,gloomy day..
hmm.. edible flower petals.. i wonder how it taste like, i have only tried Rose petals..
I want this bento! So tasty and beautiful. Envy that you have autumn there hahaha :D
Delicious and beautiful...as always!! Your bento always make me drooling. ^.^
Your photos make me feel like I am with you there to enjoy the beautiful scenery. :)
Hiya Sheri! Yep, just love the golden fluted forms of these mushrooms...so delicate and baroque looking, and yummy too. Glad you liked this one, I've been soaking up the autumnal vibes (kabocha!) at your great blog this week :D
Hi Ai Ping! Happens to me all the time when browsing the bentosphere, sometimes when I've just had my lunch, ha! Thanks dear :D
Aw, Sysyl you are so kind to pass an award to me, many thanks!!
Hi there Bobo! There's a wide range of flavors to enjoy, from peppery spicy nasturtium to milder violets and violas. Rose petals add such a mysterious, subtle flavor :)
Hi Lia, I'd trade bentos with you any day! Sugar cane seafood skewers, please :D!!
Hi Em, thanks for hanging out with me!
Eek! I almost fainted! this bento is full with my fave food haaah... gasp! So great to see and taste!
Now we can have delicious apples, right? Let's have tons of them hehe. :D
Hi Izumi, so pleased to read this! yes, let's enjoy abundant mushroom and apple season!!
Your creations are always so wonderful to see. :)
Oh my gosh that cassoulet looks absolutely fantastic!!! Beautiful and picturesque bento!
Hello Kay, many thanks! Happy weekend to you :D
Hi Susan! Always a pleasure to read your wonderfully warm and encouraging comments, thank you and happy weekend :D!
Another fantastic bento to match the brilliant colors of the season! Well done!
Hi Megg, thanks so much!! Hope your Chicago autumn is still mild and pretty. I'll bet you guys are up to some new culinary adventures this weekend--looking forward to reading about it!
Beautiful bento. I love meaty casseroles in the fall. The changing leaves look so peaceful, I wish our palm trees changed color!
Hi there Heather! Sweet comments, thank you. Hmmm, I'll be envying your palm trees in the weeks and months ahead! Have a festive and joyful Thanksgiving :D
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