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S. Florida 5th Grader Wins Healthy Lunchtime Challenge

MIAMI (CBSMiami) - A 5th grader from Conchita Espinosa Academy in southwest Miami-Dade is headed to the nation's capitol next month along with his mother.

But the trip won't be your average summer vacation or sightseeing tour.

A recipe created by Gabriel Medina won the top prize for Florida in the 2014 Healthy Lunchtime Challenge, an event highly supported by First Lady Michelle Obama.

The competiton was was tough. Approximately 1,500 children and their parent's entered the contest.  Fifty-four were chosen as winners representing each state, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.

Gabriel was one of the lucky ones.

"I think it is very cool, I felt excited and I started screaming" said Gabriel to CBS 4's Marybel Rodriguez about how he reacted when he was told he was the only student from Florida who won.

WATCH Marybel Rodriguez's report.

Gabriel's winning recipe was Fish Cartucho al Gabusho. He said he chose fish because he became obsessed with it after tasting it. He added that he loves all types of fish.

The impetus for the 10-year old's recipe wasn't found in the kitchen but rather in the classroom when his teacher, Ms. Frades, put them up to the challenge of incorporating fractions, measurements, ounces and nutrition. Each student in her class was given the task of creating an original healthy recipe and write about the experience.

They were then submitted to the "Healthy Lunchtime Challenge."  On the last day of school Gabriel was given the news that he had won.

Gabriel and his mother along with other 53 winners from across the country will be honored at the White House at the annual Healthy Lunchtime Challenge and Kids "State Dinner" on July 18th.

Fish Cartucho al Gabusho (one serving)

Ingredients

  • 15 inch sheet of parchment paper
  • ½ lemon, sliced
  • 5 ounces Mahi-mahi fillet
  • ½ tablespoon butter
  • ½ tablespoon olive oil
  • Pinch of salt and pepper
  • 1 small gold potato chopped
  • ¼ cup of cherry tomatoes chopped
  • ¼ cup of mushrooms
  • 1 twig of parsley
  • 1 twig of oregano

Preparation

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Fold the paper in half and trim with scissors to make a heart shape when unfolded.
  2. On one half of the parchment heart place half the lemon slices, the fish, butter, and olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Pile on the remaining lemon, potatoes, tomatoes, mushrooms, parsley, and oregano.
  3. Fold the parchment paper over and fold in the ends all around, creating a pouch that lies on its side. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes or until the fish is flaky and potatoes are tender. Serve with brown rice, if desired.

For more on all the winners and on this event go to recipechallenge.epicurious.com.

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