Ants on a log

🐜🌱 Ants on a Log: A Fun and Healthy Snack! 🐜🌱

What is it?
Ants on a log is a whimsical and nutritious snack that’s perfect for kids and adults alike. It’s a delightful combination of celery sticks filled with peanut butter (or an alternative spread) and topped with raisins. The name “Ants on a Log” comes from its visual resemblance to tree logs with ants crawling on them.

History:
The origin of Ants on a Log is a bit mysterious, but it gained popularity as a fun and healthy snack for children in the United States during the 1950s. Its playful name likely contributed to its appeal among kids.

Components:

• Celery sticks: These serve as the “logs” in the snack and provide a refreshing crunch.
• Peanut butter (or alternative spreads): Peanut butter is traditionally used, but you can also use almond butter, sunflower butter, or cream cheese if you have allergies or dietary preferences.
• Raisins: The “ants” in this snack, adding a sweet and chewy contrast to the celery and spread.

Steps to Prepare Ants on a Log:

1. Wash and Cut Celery: Start by washing the celery thoroughly and cutting it into manageable sticks, typically 3-4 inches in length.

2. Spread Peanut Butter: Take each celery stick and spread your chosen nut butter or alternative evenly along the concave side of the celery. Make sure to leave enough space for the “ants.”

3. Add Raisins: Now, it’s time to place the “ants.” Simply press raisins onto the peanut butter or spread, creating a line of them along the celery stick.

4. Serve: Arrange your Ants on a Log on a plate or tray, and they are ready to be enjoyed! You can refrigerate them briefly before serving if you’d like them to be chilled.

Time Needed:
Preparing Ants on a Log is incredibly quick and easy. It should take you no more than 10-15 minutes to wash, cut, spread, and top the celery sticks. This makes it an excellent option for a fast and healthy snack or a fun addition to a kids’ party or gathering.

Ants on a Log is not only visually appealing but also provides a satisfying combination of flavors and textures. It’s a nutritious choice that incorporates vegetables, protein, and fruit, making it a balanced and enjoyable snack for all occasions. So, next time you’re looking for a playful and healthy treat, consider making some Ants on a Log! 🐜🌱😋

Certainly! Here are the nutrition facts and health information for Ants on a Log:

Nutrition Facts (per serving):

• Calories: Approximately 100-150 calories per serving, depending on the amount of peanut butter or alternative spread used.
• Protein: Around 3-5 grams, mainly from peanut butter or alternative spreads.
• Carbohydrates: Approximately 10-15 grams, primarily from celery and raisins.
• Dietary Fiber: About 2-3 grams, mostly from celery.
• Fat: Approximately 7-10 grams, primarily from peanut butter or alternative spreads.
• Sugar: Around 5-8 grams, primarily from raisins.

Health Information:

1. Rich in Fiber: Ants on a Log is a good source of dietary fiber, thanks to the celery. Fiber promotes digestive health and can help you feel full and satisfied.

2. Protein Boost: Peanut butter or alternative spreads add a decent amount of protein, which is essential for muscle maintenance and overall body function.

3. Healthy Fats: The fats in peanut butter (unsaturated fats) can be heart-healthy when consumed in moderation. They provide essential fatty acids and can help keep you feeling satiated.

4. Nutrient Diversity: This snack offers a combination of nutrients, including vitamins (such as vitamin K from celery), minerals (like iron from raisins), and antioxidants from both the celery and raisins.

5. Balanced Snacking: Ants on a Log strikes a balance between carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, making it a balanced snack option that can help stabilize blood sugar levels.

6. Kid-Friendly: It’s a creative and kid-friendly way to encourage children to eat more vegetables and nutrient-rich foods.

7. Allergen-Friendly: You can adapt the recipe to accommodate various dietary preferences and allergies by using alternative spreads like almond butter or sunflower butter.

Remember that the exact nutritional content can vary based on the specific ingredients and portion sizes you use. To get the most accurate information, you can check the nutrition label on the specific products you use to prepare your Ants on a Log. Enjoy this fun and healthy snack as part of a well-rounded diet! 🐜🌱😊