📝 About This Recipe
A whimsical American classic that has delighted children for generations, Ants on a Log is the perfect harmony of crisp texture, creamy protein, and natural sweetness. This elevated version focuses on the perfect structural integrity required for a school lunchbox, ensuring the 'ants' stay marching until the noon bell rings. It is a nutritionally balanced snack that transforms simple garden vegetables into a playful, edible landscape that even the pickiest eaters will adore.
🥗 Ingredients
The Foundation
- 6-8 large Celery stalks (vibrant green, firm, and crisp)
- 1 teaspoon Lemon juice (to brighten the flavor and keep celery fresh)
- 2 cups Ice water (for shocking the celery)
The Filling
- 1/2 cup Creamy Peanut Butter (no-stir variety works best for stability)
- 1 tablespoon Honey (clover or wildflower)
- 1/4 teaspoon Cinnamon (ground)
- 1 pinch Sea salt (to balance the sweetness)
The 'Ants' and Variations
- 1/4 cup Raisins (traditional sun-dried)
- 2 tablespoons Dried Cranberries (for 'Fire Ants' variation)
- 2 tablespoons Mini Chocolate Chips (for a 'Midnight Ants' treat)
- 1 tablespoon Sunflower seeds (for added crunch and 'Ant Eggs')
👨🍳 Instructions
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1
Begin by selecting the heartiest, widest celery stalks from the bunch. Rinse them thoroughly under cold running water to remove any garden grit.
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2
Trim the white root ends and the leafy tops. Save the leaves for a salad or stock, but keep the stalks uniform for the logs.
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3
Use a vegetable peeler to gently shave the fibrous strings off the back of each celery stalk. This makes them much easier for children to bite through without the 'strings' getting stuck.
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4
Submerge the cleaned stalks in a bowl of ice water with a teaspoon of lemon juice for 10 minutes. This 'shocks' the celery, making it incredibly crisp and refreshing.
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5
Thoroughly pat the celery stalks dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. If the celery is damp, the peanut butter will slide right off.
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6
Cut each long stalk into 3-inch or 4-inch sections, depending on the size of your bento box compartments.
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7
In a small mixing bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter, honey, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Stir until the mixture is glossy and well-incorporated.
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8
Transfer the peanut butter mixture into a piping bag or a plastic zip-top bag with the corner snipped off. This ensures a clean, professional look without the mess of a butter knife.
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9
Pipe the peanut butter into the 'u-shaped' channel of each celery log, filling it from edge to edge.
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10
Carefully place 4-5 raisins (the 'ants') in a straight line along the peanut butter. Press them down slightly so they are nestled securely in the filling.
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11
For variety, create 'Fire Ants' using dried cranberries on some logs, and 'Midnight Ants' using chocolate chips on others.
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12
Garnish with a tiny sprinkle of sunflower seeds between the ants to represent 'pebbles' or 'eggs' for an extra narrative touch.
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13
Place the logs in a single layer inside the bento box. If stacking is necessary, place a small piece of parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
💡 Chef's Tips
Always peel the outer strings of the celery to prevent a choking hazard and improve the eating experience for kids. If your school is nut-free, substitute the peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or wow-butter; the texture remains identical. To prevent the 'ants' from falling off in a lunchbox, press them firmly into the filling and ensure the filling is not too runny. For an extra-special touch, use a variety of 'ants' like golden raisins or dried blueberries to create a colorful 'colony'. If making ahead of time, store in an airtight container with a damp paper towel tucked in the corner to maintain celery crispness.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Pair with a cold thermos of organic whole milk or a calcium-fortified almond milk. Serve alongside a handful of whole-grain pretzel sticks to act as 'extra logs'. Include a side of apple slices which can also be dipped into any leftover peanut butter filling. Add a hard-boiled egg to the bento box to round out the protein for a full meal. Complement the crunch with a soft yogurt tube or a cheese string for varied textures.