Back-to-School Teacher Treats

Surely there must be some mistake. The calendar’s saying that it’s mid-August, but that would mean that summer’s coming to a close… and that couldn’t possibly be true, because it just started. Wait, didn’t it?

Okay, maybe I’m in extreme denial (and yes, you have permission to join me in a few more moments of summertime bliss before we all face reality), but let’s just pretend for a moment that we were all prepping for back-to-school time. If that were the case (which it’s not), we might be thinking about the inevitable back-to-school teacher gifts that I always seem to forget about until the night before the first day.

Phoebe will be starting her third and final year of preschool (more denial!!), and I’m finally getting the hang of this school thing enough to start thinking ahead when it comes to teacher appreciation. This year I’m excited we get to partner with Land O’Lakes and their initiative, which is all about spreading kindness and paying it forward, for no other reason than to spread some smiles and make the world around us a little happier. Can’t think of anyone more deserving of a little extra love than our teachers who work so hard to bring joy, creativity and wisdom into the lives of our kids. It is not an easy job, and, especially since becoming a mom, I’m so grateful for the important work that our teachers do each day.

This year, I’m baking a few batches of my cranberry-almond bread, then packing up with some mason jars full of flavored butters that I made by combining a few simple ingredients: LAND O LAKES® Butter mixed with raspberry, maple-pecan, and garlic-herb. I love that these infused butters turn even the simplest piece of toast into such a treat, and it’s a quick way to elevate breakfast on these mad-dash fall mornings.

Cute little chalkboard labels that identify each flavor give a subtle nod to the back-to-school vibe, and I love to wrap up the bread with a pretty tea towel and butter knife for a perfect breakfast package that will make any teacher feel so special.

Keep scrolling for the recipe for these super easy flavored butters, and I’d love to hear how you guys are planning to bring some good to the world around you this fall! Whether it’s buying coffee for the next person in line, whipping up a batch of brownies for the neighbors or slipping a handwritten note of encouragement into your kid’s lunchbox, leave a comment and let us know so we can inspire each other to get creative with kindness!

*photos: kristen kilpatrick

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