Not exactly a state dinner, but it probably ought to be.

Tuesday, First Lady Michelle Obama invited her fifth-grade friends from Bancroft Elementary School in Washington to harvest some of the vegetables they planted on the South Lawn in April, and stay for a picnic made from the harvest.

It is a challenge to get children to eat vegetables, the First Lady admitted during her remarks. It helps if they taste good. And fresh tastes good.

Here's the menu for Tuesday's picnic:

Salad made of lettuce (and, boy, was there plenty!!!) carrots, cucumber, fresh herbs, salt and pepper. The dressing was made with honey (not from the White House hives. That honey isn't quite ready yet), lemon, oil and a little mustard.

 Boneless, skinless chicken, coated with beaten eggs, flour and bread crumbs and baked.

 Brown rice, dressed with salt and a little butter after cooking.

Peas, stir-fried with a little garlic.

Oh. And cupcakes. Decorated with fresh fruit instead of icing.

Photo credit: Associated Press