Mom and Dad's home cooking is always a treat for college kids, but students returning to Virginia Tech after April's devastating shooting might appreciate a taste of home even more.

For the past six years, the school has held a Home Sweet Home recipe contest, asking parents to submit their children's favorite recipes for a special dinner during Family Day weekend.

Last year, Laurie Keck and Kristin Riley of Warrenton were the Grand Prize winners with their recipe for Gnocci with Artichokes and Sun Dried Tomatoes.

Keck and Riley got two nights' lodging at the Inn at Virginia Tech for Family Day weekend and all eight winners received $50 in Dining Dollars for their students. Other winning recipes included Roasted Butternut Squash Bisque, Greek Pizza and Habanera Tomato Salsa.

Parents who want to enter this year had better hurry -- the deadline is Aug. 3 and Family Day is in late October.

Submit online at www.studentprograms.vt.edu/dining/homesweethome.

-- Lindsey Nair