We're all pretty excited to greet 54 amazing young chefs at the White House on Monday, August 20, when First Lady Michelle Obama will host the first-ever Kids' State Dinner. Joining us will be the talented young people (and their parents) whose recipes submitted for the Healthy Lunchtime Challenge most impressed the judges, and best met all the criteria: A healthy, original and affordable lunch that contains the five food groups (fruits, veggies, protein, low-fat dairy, and whole grains). Kids could integrate everything into one recipe, or incorporate some of those food groups into one dish and represent the others as suggested sides, like a whole-wheat wrap with chicken salad, lettuce and shredded carrots, served with skim milk and some strawberries.
Posted by Esther Huh, Northern Mariana Islands on August 16, 2012
Esther’s mom, Dae Young, is a big fan of the high-fiber pitaya fruit (dragonfruit), and happily, so is Esther. They combined it with chicken and cabbage to make a healthy, vibrant salad. They like to layer the salad ingredients when they serve it and if you do this, serve the dressing on the side. –Esther Huh, age 11, Northern Mariana Islands
Makes 1 serving
Posted by Emma Kenney, New Mexico on August 16, 2012
“I decided to make this recipe because nectarine salsa is my favorite! I could eat it on anything,” says Emma. “I chose a wrap because they are fun to take in my lunchbox.” Emma likes to have these with corn-and-black bean salad, blueberries and strawberries, and milk. –Emma Kenney, age 9, New Mexico
Makes 4 servings
Ingredients:
Posted by Tarteel Idais, New Jersey on August 16, 2012
"I first made this recipe when I was about 4 years old," says Tarteel. "What inspired me to create it is that me and my whole family always loved salmon as our fish of the month. One story I can tell you about this wonderful recipe is that salmon was the first type of fish I ever had." Tarteel serves this with a berry smoothie. –Tarteel Idais, age 9, New Jersey
Makes 4 Servings
Posted by Ella Barrett, New Hampshire on August 16, 2012
"I came up with this lunch because I like to eat burritos, and sometimes my Mom packs them for my lunch at school. I serve homemade pineapple salsa with the burrito," says Ella. She likes to have this with a berry smoothie made with Greek yogurt, as well as a side salad.—Ella Barrett, age 8, New Hampshire
Makes 4 servings
Ingredients:
Posted by Aaron Beckman, Nebraska on August 16, 2012
Dad Kenneth writes: "Operation Apple Alien Status Report. Mission: Make and eat an out-of-this-world lunch that is fun and nutritious:
1) Assemble Apple Alien and place it on launch pad (plate).
2) Remove Apple Alien's antennas and prepare for take-off.
Posted by Kayla Wayman, Montana on August 16, 2012
“I do a lot of cooking with my family, and we do homemade pizza a lot. It’s fun, since everyone can choose what they would like on their own pizza,” says Kayla. “I always like to use things from my own garden, such as the spinach, basil, and cherry tomatoes.” She enjoys this with milk and an apple with cinnamon. –Kayla Wayman, age 9, Montana
Makes 1 to 2 servings
"I was trying to think of something for lunch, and I found these [ingredients] in the fridge and spice cabinets," says Kyle, who recommends serving this pasta with a small fruit salad on the side. –Kyle Moore, age 12, Missouri
Makes 6 servings
Ingredients:
1 pound linguine
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
Posted by Annalee Carroll, Maine on August 16, 2012
Annalee’s family are big fans of sushi and dumplings, and decided to make them at home. “We make a large batch of dumplings and freeze them on trays so that they are a fast meal choice,” says Annalee’s mom, Marydale. They also make veggie sushi with carrots, cucumbers, and avocados. –Annalee Carroll, age 12, Maine
Makes 6 to 8 servings
Posted by Michael Prados, Louisiana on August 16, 2012
"I am the JR. Food Critic from Louisiana," says Michael. "I love to cook with my family and go on food adventures. We made up this fish taco recipe. You can see my other dishes at jrfoodcritic.com." –Michael Prados, age 12, Louisiana
Makes 4 to 8 servings
Ingredients:
Posted by Myka Smith-Jackson, Kentucky on August 16, 2012
"I was on the Internet, and was thinking, You know, anything can be made into a wrap. So I decided that I'd make a curry chicken wrap," says Myka. "For a side: sliced strawberries and a fruit and yogurt smoothie." Myka's recipe calls for grilled chicken, but you can use any kind of cooked chicken. –Myka Smith-Jackson, age 8, Kentucky
Makes 2 to 4 servings
