Celery on the Side

Posted on March 22, 2021

Celery is a low calorie, water-based vegetable that offers a wide variety of nutritional benefits, such as vitamin A to support immunity, skin, eye and brain health; vitamin K to protect bones; folate for mental performance; potassium to support heart function and muscles; plus vitamin C, B vitamins, calcium, magnesium and manganese.

The recipe for Ants on a Log is a classic way to eat celery while combining elements of protein for a healthier snack—good for both kids and adults! Not only is the snack nutritious, but it is fun and a great way to encourage kids to safely get involved with preparing food.

RECIPE: Ants on a Log

INGREDIENTS:
3 celery sticks, trimmed
1/4 cup peanut butter
30 raisins


DIRECTIONS:
Wash the celery sticks and cut each stick in half. Add peanut butter into the concave part of each celery stick and spread. Push raisins into the peanut butter to represent "ants." Serve and enjoy!

ALTERNATIVES:
Not all kids have the same taste buds, and sometimes you might need to add in new healthy ingredients to change up snack time. Here are some alternative ideas for ants on a log.

Logs:
Carrots
Cucumber (slice in half, lengthways and scrape out seeds)
Banana (slice in half, lengthways)
Apple (cut into wedges)
Pear (cut into wedges)
Peach/Nectarine (cut into wedges)

Filling Ideas:
Any Nut Butter
Cream Cheese
Cottage Cheese
Hummus
Mashed Avocado/Guacamole
Greek Yoghurt
Other Dips/Spreads (beetroot dip, carrot hummus, bean dip, tzatziki etc)

Ant Ideas:
Raisins
Other Dried Fruit (apricot, dates, figs, pineapple, etc) cut into raisin-sized pieces
Peas
Sweet Corn
Olives
Cherry Tomatoes (cut up)
Grapes
Blueberries
Seeds
Nuts