From Linda Larsen,
Your Guide to Busy Cooks.
FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now!

I remember that the first day of school meant a new outfit, fresh pencils and clean notebooks, a cool fall morning, and Apple Crisp when I got home. My mom made sure that every single school year began with an after school treat of that special, delicious dessert. The scent of apples and cinnamon, the tender melting apples and crunchy brown sugar topping evokes school to me as much as fall leaves and the first football game.

Do you have a similar tradition in your family? If not, look through some of these recipes and think about starting your own first day of school tradition.

Fruit Recipes

• Apple Crisp
  This classic recipe is delicious served plain or topped with vanilla or caramel ice cream.
• Pear Apricot Cobbler
  You could make this wonderful recipe with sliced apples instead of the pears if you like.
• Watermelon with Berry Salsa
  This is a spicy dessert! You can omit the jalapeno pepper unless your kids love them.
• Fruit in a Cloud
  Any combination of fresh or canned fruits can be used in this simple make ahead dessert.
• Blueberry Cobbler
  Keep a bag of frozen blueberries in the freezer and you can make this dessert in a flash.
• Apple Peach Pie
  I love this pie, and you will too! The filling is unusual, with crushed corn flakes and lemon jello, and it's superb.
• Crockpot Cherry Cobbler
  You could use a combination of fresh apples and apple pie filling for a nice change to this easy recipe.
• Crockpot Caramel Apple Dip
  Peanut butter, caramel, apple juice, cinnamon - what's not to like in this delicious dip?
• Fruit Pavlova
  I like to assemble these desserts ahead of time and let them stand in the fridge for a couple of hours to the meringues soften.

Cookie Recipes

• The Best Chocolate Chip Cookies
  What could be more traditional than chocolate chip cookies? This fabulous recipe is from my first book, Everything Meals for a Month. The best thing about that book is that you don't have to be an OAMC fan to use it - all of the recipes can be made and enjoyed today.
• Oatmeal Carmelitas
  This is one of the best bar cookie recipes of all time. There are lots of variations of this recipe; this one is the best.
• Skillet Cookies
  This old fashioned recipe is really delicious; try it soon!
• Starlight Mint Cookies
  Thin, crisp, brown sugar cookies are filled with chocolate and mint. Yum.
• Candy Bars
  Three kinds of chocolate make this simple layered bar cookie so good.
• Cookie Brittle
  This shortbread variation of chocolate chip cookies is quick to make and perfect with a cold glass of milk.
• Peanut Butter Marshmallow Treats
  This peanut butter variation on the traditional treat is topped with peanut butter cups.
• Crisp Ranger Cookies
  Crisp rice cereal adds an extra crunch to chocolate chip cookies.
• California Gold Bars
  Apricot jam and walnuts add flavor and nutrition to these chewy bars.

Sandwich Recipes

• Wild Rice Sandwich Spread
  Chicken, dried cherries, and wild rice in a creamy dressing make a fabulous sandwich filling.
• Chicken Salad Wraps
  Once again, omit the jalapeno unless your kids are really into Tex Mex flavors.
• Grilled Chicken and Apple Sandwiches
  This is my favorite sandwich! Keep apples, canned chicken, cheese, and bread on hand at all times so these sandwiches can be made in an instant.
• Parmesan Tuna Sandwich Spread
  This updated version of tuna salad has wonderful flavor and texture.
• Turkey Sandwiches with Spinach Aioli
  Spinach Aioli is basically spinach pesto with mayonnaise. It's a great addition to any sandwich recipe.
• Mediterranean Pitas
  Make sure your kids like the marinated veggie salad; then this sandwich will be a hit.
• Greek Chicken Crockpot Pita Sandwich Filling
  With some pita breads and chopped cucumber or bell peppers, this easy sandwich filling is the perfect after school snack.

Children are hungry when they get home from school. Lunch was hours ago, and kids need to eat every few hours for best nutrition. And you can even sneak more vitamins into a delicious snack with these easy recipes. And remember, your after school snack doesn't have to be sweet. The ever popular veggie dip is a great choice too. Having a sandwich spread on hand in the fridge means your kids can serve themselves in minutes.

Make the first day back to school special by giving your children something to look forward to. Start a new tradition in your family. And don't limit special recipes and foods to just the first day of school! Pick a day, any day, and greet your children with some delicious and healthy food.