To motivate families to get their recipes in on time it is probably easiest to work with the classroom teacher.  One suggestion may be to assign recipes as homework.  This can easily fit into a mathematics measurement unit, a community multicultural theme, family unit, etc. Teachers are very creative.

Organising a cover competition may take some extra time but it will make the cookbook unique to your school. There is no need to limit your competition to children’s drawings; artistic digital photos also work well. (cover ideas)