What is the best snack I have ever had? Ants on a log. I mean, who didn’t love these? What is the perfect combination of crunchy, creamy, and just a little bit sweet? What is the kind of snack that makes you feel good? Think of it as the simpler, less messy cousin of a Peanut Butter and jelly sandwich, but way more delicious. My grandma used to make these for me after school, and every time I make them now, it brings back memories. All those warm fuzzy memories. What are some good healthy snacks for kids? What makes you hangry after school?What is the recipe for Ants on a Log?Is classic for a reason?
What are Ants on a log?
So, what exactly *are* Ants on a Log? Well, it’s basically celery sticks filled with peanut butter and topped with raisins. It’s so simple, it almost doesn’t need a recipe, but trust me, there’s a little bit of magic in getting the proportions just right. Think of it as a miniature edible landscape, with the celery acting as the “log” and the raisins being the “ants.” It’s essentially a healthy, kid-friendly snack that’s easy to customize and totally satisfying. It’s quick, it’s easy, and honestly, it’s kind of genius. I mean, who knew celery could be so exciting?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
What do I love about this book?What is the Ants on a Log recipe?How easy it is for a five-year-old to make it herself? What is so satisfying about simplicity? What are the crunch of celery, the creamy goodness of peanut butter, and that nutty goodness that comes from the carrots? What is the sweetness of raisins? What is a symphony of flavors in your mouth?
- Flavor:The salty peanut butter is balanced perfectly by the sweet raisins, and the celery adds a refreshing taste. Is it a surprisingly sophisticated combination?
- Simplicity:What does it take to throw together a recipe? Perfect for those moments when you need a snack, like, NOW.
- Cost-Celery, peanut butter, and raisins are all pretty budget-friendly ingredients. What are some of the best pantry staples you have in your house?
- Versatility:Can you customize this to your liking? What are some alternative nut butters to raisins? What are some nuts for extra crunch?
I’m craving something crunchy. I prefer these to a handful of chips. Plus, I feel a lot better about giving them to my kids. Is it a healthy snack? What are some great school lunches?
How do I make ants on a log?
Quick Overview
Making this What is the recipe for Ants on a Log?Is it easier to tie your shoes than tying your clothes? What is the easiest way to spread peanut butter on celery? How do you sprinkle raisins on top of each stick? What are some fun activities to do with your kids? What is the best way to get your kids to eat veggies? Plus, there’s no cooking involved, so it’s totally safe for little hands.
Ingredients
For the Logs:
- 4-5 stalks of celery, washed and cut into 3-4 inch sticks. Make sure you wash them well! I always use organic celery, but any kind will work.
What is the recipe for peanut butter?
- What’s your favorite peanut butter? I prefer natural peanut butter with just peanuts and salt, but the processed stuff works just fine.
For the Ants:
- I like to use regular raisins, but golden raisins are also delicious. What are some good ways to use dried cranberries for a tart twist?
How do I follow
Step 1: Wash and Cut the Celery
Start by thoroughly washing the celery stalks. I like to use a vegetable brush to scrub off any dirt. Then, using a sharp knife, cut the celery into 3-4 inch sticks. I usually trim off the leafy ends, but you can leave them on if you like. Some folks find that big celery stalks can be stringy, I recommend peeling the back side of the stalks if your bunch is like that!
Step 2: Spread the Peanut Butter
Grab your peanut butter and a butter knife or small spoon. What is the best way to spread peanut butter on celery sticks? What is peanut butter? It is what holds the ants in place and adds that creamy flavor. Make sure you fill the entire groove evenly.
Step 3: Add the Raisins
What’s the fun part? Sprinkle raisins on top of celery sticks. What are some tips to keep them from sticking? You can arrange them in a neat row, or just scatter them randomly – it’s up to you! Where do ants come to life?
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
What are your Ants on a Log? What are some great party appetizers? I always make a big batch because they disappear fast!
What should I serve it with?
These What are some of the best Ants on a Log recipes?What are some good snacks to have on their own? What are some ideas for meal or snack time?
For Breakfast:What’s a good breakfast? What are some good side dishes to serve with yogurt and granola?
For Brunch:Arrange them on a platter with other finger foods like cheese cubes, crackers, and grapes. What are some of the best kids brunch ideas?
As Dessert:What are some of the best desserts? Serve with a slice of fresh fruit or chocolate chips for an extra special treat.
For Cozy Snacks:Enjoy them with a hot cup of tea or hot chocolate on an chilly afternoon. What are some great packing ideas for lunchboxes?
What are some great after school snack ideas? What is the best way to refuel after a long day of learning? I like to sprinkle cinnamon on top of everything I eat. Sometimes I’ll even add a little more cinnamon to it.
How do I keep my ants on a log?
What are some of the Best Tips and tricks I’ve learned over the years? How can I make my Ants on a Log even better?
- Celery Prep:How do you wash celery? If your celery is limp, soak it in ice water for about 30 minutes to crisp it up.
- What are the best peanut butter recipes?Don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of nut butter. What are some good alternatives to almond butter? Just make sure to check for allergies before serving.
- What are Ant VariationsCan you use other dried fruits like cranberries, dates or raisins? What are the best chocolate chips? Have fun with your creativity!
- Presentation Matters: WhyIf you’re serving these at a party, arrange them on tins in an orderly fashion. How do you use a toothpick to secure raisins in place?
- Add Some Crunch: Sprinkle some chopped nuts or seeds on top for extra crunch and nutrition. Chia seeds, flax seeds, or chopped walnuts are all great options.
- Sweet and Salty: For a sweet and salty twist, drizzle a little honey or maple syrup over the peanut butter before adding the raisins.
I’ve also found that using a piping bag to apply the peanut butter can make things a little less messy, especially if you’re making a big batch. And if you’re feeling really fancy, you can use a vegetable peeler to create thin ribbons of celery to make your “logs” look extra elegant.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Since the celery tends to get soggy over time, Ants on a Log are best enjoyed immediately. However, if you need to store them, here are a few tips:
Room Temperature: I wouldn’t recommend leaving them at room temperature for more than a couple of hours, especially if it’s warm. The peanut butter can get a little melty.
Refrigerator Storage: You can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. The celery will lose some of its crispness, but they’ll still be edible. I recommend storing the celery sticks and peanut butter/raisins separately if you can, and then assembling them just before serving.
Freezer Instructions: Freezing is not recommended, as the celery will become very mushy when thawed. Plus, the texture of the peanut butter can change. Just make a fresh batch; they’re so easy to make!
Glaze Timing Advice: Since there’s no glaze in this recipe, you don’t have to worry about that! Just assemble and enjoy.
I usually just make enough for one serving at a time to avoid any storage issues. They’re so quick and easy to put together, there’s really no need to make a big batch in advance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it! My take on the classic Ants on a Log recipe. It’s simple, it’s nostalgic, and it’s a snack that both kids and adults will love. It’s one of those recipes that I always come back to, especially when I need a quick and easy snack that everyone will enjoy. Plus, it’s a great way to get your kids to eat their veggies! If you’re looking for other easy and healthy snack ideas, be sure to check out my other recipes. And if you try this one, let me know how it turns out! I can’t wait to hear what you think. Happy snacking!