Kids know that one of the best things about being back in school is the afternoon snack.

When they burst through the front door looking for a sweet treat, try something new like a quick peanut butter waffle. The recipe irons out the usual waffle-batter mess by using flattened dinner roll dough that's all ready to go. Then simply slather with peanut butter and jelly, a unanimous choice, and kids enjoy an old-fashioned classic in a brand new way.

To make after-school snacking a fun activity, let kids create their own snacks. Start by barking up the right tree and engage your handy microwave instead of the oven. With a little shaping, sugar sprinkling and fruit leather, in seconds you have a gooey, delectable doggy-shaped cinnamon roll. This golden baked "roll"y-poly puppy will be eager to please – and he can't eat the homework.

The first days of a new school year are tough on a youngster. Calm the nervousness with a surprise. Let them tell you all about their day while they design, bake (they'll be fluttering about the oven door waiting for it to emerge) and eat their own homemade butterflies.

And, you'll feel the l-o-v-e after school when the little ones find their names spelled out in personalized snack sticks for dipping and dunking. You won't have to beg them to practice writing when they can use dough instead of a pencil.

Whether you use the waffle iron, microwave or oven, ready-to-go frozen dough can make the back to school transition a yummy one.

2 frozen dinner rolls, thawed to room temperaturePeanut butterJam or jellyPreheat waffle iron to medium high. Flatten each roll into a 4 to 5-inch circle. Spray the waffle iron with non-stick cooking spray.Place a flattened roll in the middle of the waffle iron and close the lid. Cook each roll 1 to 2 minutes or until light golden brown. Remove and spread with peanut butter and jam.

2 60-second microwavable cinnamon rollsIcingSugar crystalsCandy eyesLicorice piecesRed fruit leatherMicrowave rolls for 30 seconds. Place one roll on a plate with the end of the roll on top for the head. Unroll the second roll completely to make the dog's floppy ears. Place on top of the head.Microwave for an additional 60 seconds. Glaze with icing, sprinkle with sugar and decorate the face.

5 frozen dinner rolls, thawed but still cold1 egg beatenBolognaCheeseLettuceMayonnaiseCut 1 roll in half. Shape a piece into a rope for the body. Place on a sprayed baking sheet. Save the other half. Flatten 1 roll for each of the bottom wings. Put them next to the body.Cut another roll in half and flatten the halves into 2 top wings. Put them in place. With the last roll and a half make 2 small eyes, the antennae and shapes for the wings. Put them on the butterfly.Brush with egg and let rise 15 to 30 minutes. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes or until golden brown.Let cool and slice horizontally. Fill with bologna, cheese, lettuce and mayonnaise.

Frozen dinner rolls, thawed but still cold1 egg, beatenSesame seedsRoll each roll into a long rope. Cut and pinch the dough to make the letters or numbers.Place on a sprayed baking sheet. Brush with egg and sprinkle with seeds, if desired. Let rise 15 to 30 minutes. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes or until golden brown.