High Fives for the first lady Michelle Obama for hosting Washington, First “Kids State Dinner”. This event was another step towards her Lets Move campaign to address child obesity in America. The East Room was filled with kids from all different states who won nationwide recipe contest, and their menu had pure healthy choices, that was fun and very nutritional for them. Mrs Obama told them
“Your recipes truly stood out,”
she said to an East Room filled with kids who won a nationwide recipe competition. “You came up with dishes that were packed with nutritious, delicious ingredients — dishes that are good for you but more importantly they taste good, too. See? It can happen.”
This all took place around a well decorated table, dress with the Presidential china and utensils, dinner was served by Jr chefs. The dishes had names given by the first lady, such as, Cabbage Sloppy Joes, Baked Zucchini Fries, Power Pesto Pasta, Secret Service Super Salad, Strawberry ana Smoothie, Fruit Skewers called Summer Fruit Garland, just to name a few. The 54 winners, ages 8 through 12, were chosen from more than 1,200 entries.
Haile Thomas, 11, of Tucson, Ariz., said, “I was just experimenting and being creative in the kitchen,” His original recipe of quinoa, black bean and corn salad was one of six winning entries prepared by White House chefs at the luncheon. “It’s just an honor. I never thought my recipe would go national.” Thomas, who’s been cooking since age 5, hopes one day her YouTube cooking show will make it on commercial TV.
There was a surprise guest, President Barack Obama who stopped by the lunch to applaud the winners and thank them for spreading the word about healthy eating.
“Usually, I get invited to state dinners,” he said. “This time I had to crash.”
President Obama had a little warning for the youngsters not to drop any table scraps on the floor, because first dog Bo is on a diet.
The Children and their parents and grandparents was treated to a performance by Nickelodeon stars Big Time Rush and got to tour the White House kitchen garden.
The contest is a partnership with Epicurious.com and the departments of Education and Agriculture. It also supports the campaign against childhood obesity.