Ants on a Log (Lunch Box Surprise)

🐜🌱🥜 Ants on a Log 🥪🍽️

Ants on a Log is a classic, fun, and nutritious snack that’s perfect for kids and adults alike. It’s often enjoyed as an appetizer, snack, or even a light lunch. This whimsical treat gets its name from its appearance, which resembles ants crawling on a log.

History:
The concept of Ants on a Log can be traced back to the 1950s, but it gained popularity in the 1960s and has remained a beloved snack ever since. The origin of the name is a bit unclear, but it’s thought to have been coined in reference to the resemblance of raisins to ants crawling on a log of celery.

Components:

• Celery stalks: These serve as the “logs” and provide a satisfying crunch.
• Peanut butter: Typically spread inside the celery stalks. It acts as a binder and adds creaminess.
• Raisins: These are the “ants” and add a sweet contrast to the savory celery and peanut butter.

Steps to Prepare:

1. Wash the celery: Start by washing and trimming the celery stalks. Cut them into manageable lengths, typically about 3 to 4 inches long.

2. Spread peanut butter: Take each celery piece and use a butter knife to spread peanut butter into the concave side (the inside) of the celery stalk. Make sure to spread it evenly, leaving no gaps.

3. Add raisins: Place raisins on top of the peanut butter. You can arrange them in a neat row or simply sprinkle them on top.

4. Serve: Arrange your Ants on a Log on a plate or in a lunchbox, and they’re ready to eat! You can also drizzle a little honey on top for added sweetness if you like.

Time Needed:
Ants on a Log are incredibly quick and easy to prepare. You can make a batch in just about 10-15 minutes, making them a perfect last-minute snack or lunchbox surprise. Plus, they’re a healthy choice, packed with protein and vitamins from the peanut butter and celery, and a touch of natural sweetness from the raisins.

So, next time you’re looking for a fun, nutritious, and emoji-worthy snack or lunch option, give Ants on a Log a try! 🐜🌱🥜 Enjoy!

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

Nutrition Facts (per serving, approximately 2 pieces):

• Calories: About 80-100 calories, depending on the specific brands and amounts of ingredients used.
• Protein: Approximately 2-3 grams.
• Carbohydrates: Around 7-9 grams.
• Dietary Fiber: About 1-2 grams.
• Sugars: Approximately 3-4 grams, mostly from natural sugars in raisins.
• Fat: About 6-7 grams, primarily from the peanut butter.

Health Information:

1. Nutrient-Rich Snack: Ants on a Log can be a nutritious snack option. They provide a good balance of protein, healthy fats, fiber, and natural sugars.

2. Protein Source: Peanut butter is a source of plant-based protein, which can help keep you feeling full and satisfied.

3. Fiber: Celery is a low-calorie vegetable that adds dietary fiber, aiding in digestion and promoting a feeling of fullness.

4. Healthy Fats: Peanut butter contains monounsaturated fats, which are considered heart-healthy and can help reduce the risk of heart disease.

5. Natural Sugars: The raisins in Ants on a Log provide natural sugars, which offer a quick energy boost without the added sugars found in many processed snacks.

6. Vitamins and Minerals: This snack contains essential vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin K, vitamin E, magnesium, and potassium.

7. Allergies: Be mindful of peanut allergies. If allergies are a concern, consider using alternative spreads like almond or sunflower seed butter.

8. Portion Control: Since peanut butter can be calorie-dense, it’s important to enjoy Ants on a Log in moderation, especially if you’re watching your calorie intake.

9. Variations: You can make healthier variations by using low-sodium peanut butter, whole-grain celery, and organic raisins for added benefits.

10. Hydration: Celery has a high water content, contributing to hydration, which is important for overall health.

Remember that the specific nutritional content may vary based on the brand and type of ingredients you use. However, in general, Ants on a Log can be a wholesome and satisfying snack that offers a good mix of nutrients.