Ants on a Log (Peanut Free

🐜🌱🥜 Ants on a Log 🐜🌱🥜

Ants on a Log is a classic and healthy snack that’s not only delicious but also fun to prepare. It’s a popular choice, especially among kids, due to its playful name and the combination of flavors and textures. Here’s everything you need to know about this tasty treat:

📜 History:
Ants on a Log is believed to have originated in the United States in the 1950s. It gained popularity as a fun and nutritious snack for children. The name is said to have been inspired by the way the snack looks, with the celery stalks resembling logs, peanut butter as the “glue,” and raisins as the “ants.”

🧀 Components:

• Celery stalks: These serve as the “logs” and provide a crunchy and refreshing base.
• Peanut butter (or a peanut-free alternative, as per your request): It acts as the “glue” to hold the “ants” in place and adds a creamy, nutty flavor.
• Raisins: These are the “ants” and provide a sweet contrast to the savory peanut butter and crunchy celery.

🍴 Steps to Prepare:

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

2. Spread Peanut Butter: Take a celery stalk and spread a generous amount of peanut butter (or the peanut-free alternative of your choice) along the concave side of the stalk. Make sure it’s evenly coated.

3. Add Raisins: Place raisins on top of the peanut butter. You can be as creative as you like, making patterns or just randomly placing them to resemble ants on a log.

4. Serve and Enjoy: Your Ants on a Log are ready to be devoured! You can serve them as a snack or a light appetizer.

⏰ Preparation Time:
Ants on a Log are incredibly quick and easy to make. You can prepare a batch in about 10 minutes or less, making them a perfect snack for busy days or when you need a simple and healthy treat.

This snack is not only tasty but also versatile. You can customize it by using different nut or seed butters, such as almond or sunflower seed butter, and by adding other toppings like chocolate chips or shredded coconut for a unique twist. So go ahead, enjoy your Ants on a Log, and get creative with your “logs” and “ants”! 🐜🌱🥜🎉

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

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):

• Calories: Approximately 60-80 calories, depending on the size of the celery stalk and the amount of peanut butter used.

• Protein: About 2-3 grams, primarily from the peanut butter.

• Carbohydrates: Around 6-8 grams, mainly from the celery and raisins.

• Dietary Fiber: Approximately 1-2 grams, provided by the celery and raisins.

• Sugars: Natural sugars from the raisins contribute to the overall sugar content, about 3-5 grams per serving.

• Fats: Roughly 4-6 grams, primarily from the peanut butter. This includes both healthy unsaturated fats and a small amount of saturated fat.

• Vitamins and Minerals: Ants on a Log are a good source of vitamin K from celery and provide small amounts of vitamins like vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin B6. They also contain minerals such as potassium and iron.

Health Information:

1. Nutrient Balance: Ants on a Log offer a balanced mix of macronutrients. They provide protein and healthy fats from peanut butter, along with fiber and vitamins from celery and raisins.

2. Healthy Fats: The fats in peanut butter are primarily monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which are considered heart-healthy fats. They can help in maintaining good cholesterol levels.

3. Fiber: The fiber content in this snack can help promote digestive health and keep you feeling full, which may be beneficial for weight management.

4. Vitamins and Minerals: This snack contains essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin K for bone health, vitamin A for vision, and vitamin C for immune support.

5. Antioxidants: Raisins, which act as “ants,” contain antioxidants that help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.

6. Low in Sodium: Ants on a Log are naturally low in sodium, which is good for those watching their salt intake.

7. Nut Allergies: If you have peanut allergies, you can use peanut-free alternatives like almond butter or sunflower seed butter to make this snack safe for consumption.

8. Kid-Friendly: Ants on a Log are an excellent snack option for kids, as they are fun to prepare and eat, and they provide essential nutrients for growing bodies.

Remember that the exact nutritional content may vary depending on the specific brands and quantities of ingredients you use. However, this snack is generally considered a nutritious and wholesome option, especially when made with natural peanut butter and minimal added sugar.