Here's an original twist to an old lunchbox favorite: Peanut butter and jelly. School cafeterias have overflowed with this staple for years. Adding the granola, loaded with fiber, and raisins, rich in antioxidants, not only adds a nutritious boost, but gives your child some variety in his day.

"Heading back to school can be stressful for kids," said Elyse Tyler, a registered dietitian and program manager for the Dean Foods LEAN Families Program at Children's Medical Center Dallas. "Introducing a new item in their lunches will enable kids to have something to look forward to during their first week of school. And, the added bonus with this recipe, is that the nutrition value increases with the added ingredients."

• 2 pieces of whole wheat bread
• 1 ½ tablespoons peanut butter
• 1 teaspoon jelly or fruit spread
• 1 tablespoon prepared granola
• ½ tablespoon raisins

Lay out bread slices. Spread one slice of bread with peanut butter, then jelly. Sprinkle with granola and raisins. Top with other slice.

*Recipe provided by Brown Bag Success written by Sandra K. Nissenberg, MS, RD and Barbara N. Pearl, MS, RD.

Last reviewed: August 2007