Braided Chikuwa Flowers

• 1 Chikuwa
• 1/2 slice Ham
• 1 dash Cheese

1. Cut the chikuwa in half lengthwise.
2. Make 2 long cuts from the back or side, whichever you prefer, as shown.
3. Braid the chikuwa.
4. As you braid them, they will curl up.
5. Secure temporarily with a toothpick, so that the braided ends are hidden under the other end.
6. The one on the left is one that was braided with the back-side up, and the one on the right was braided with the front-side up.
7. Make 1 to 1.5 cm cuts in the 1/4 slice of ham, and roll up with a piece of cheese.
8. Stuff the ham-flower in the braided chikuwa hole.
9. Cut any excess from the back of the ham-flower.
10. Remove the toothpick and secure the whole thing with a bento pick to finish.
11. I used these leaf-shaped picks to keep my flowers in place.
12. For bentos.
13. Variation: I used a crab stick to fill the hole.
14. I shredded a bit of it after fitting it into my lunchbox.

chikuwa, ham, cheese

Taken from cookpad.com/us/recipes/168619-braided-chikuwa-flowers (may not work)