A Sugar Land eighth grader's recipe for a “Slam Dunk Veggie Burger” scored her a trip to the White House that she will never forget. Twelve-year-old Devanshi Udeshi was a winner in the Healthy Lunchtime Challenge, a contest that allows young chefs to show off their healthy culinary skills.
"It was really neat to see how cooking has transformed over the years and how it is different today."
The challenge was created by the food website, Epicurious, to promote a healthier lifestyle for children, which first lady Michelle Obama has touted in her Let's Move! initiative. In its second year, the contest asks children between the ages of 8 and 12 to submit a healthy, affordable and original recipe that can be made with the help of a parent. More than 1,300 entries were received.
Udeshi's winning veggie burger includes quinoa, a good source of protein, Udeshi says, and vegetables. "Since I was young my mom has made it for me," Udeshi tells CultureMap. "I made it healthier and decided to submit it."
Earlier this month, the first lady hosted her second annual “Kid’s State Dinner” dinner for the 54 junior chefs and their families at the White House. The dinner featured a selection of the winning recipes.
The young culinary artists were officially announced upon arrival, before making their way to the dinner. The White House "was like a castle," Udeshi says, because it was so big and spacious.
After the first lady spoke, she announced a special surprise. President Obama appeared and congratulate each winner. He and Udeshi discussed her visit to the nation's capital.
During their five-day stay in Washington, the group toured several museums, including the Smithsonian National Museum of America History, where the saw Julia Child's kitchen.
"It was really neat to see how cooking has transformed over the years and how it is different today," Udeshi says.
President Barack Obama made a surprise visit at the dinner where he congratulated the winners.
A vintage picture of chefs EJ Miller and Ryan Lachaine. Photo by