How to Make Ants on a Log

Ants on a Log is a classic kids treat but where are the ants in the winter? With this kids snack we decided to give it a little twist with Snowballs on a Log. This fun treat is sure to make your kids smile and ask for more.

Ants on a Log Snack

You know those days. It has been snowing for days, but not the fun kind. It was the 3rd snow day in a row, the kids were bored and starting to fight. Willow wanted Ants on a Log but I didn’t have plain raisins. I only had yogurt covered ones. So, snowballs on a log were born.

What are Ants on a Log

Ants on a Log is raw celery that s coated with peanut butter and then has raisins on top. It is supposed to look like ants marching across a log in a straight line. The crunchy celery and the sweet smooth peanut butter go perfectly together. Then you add the the raisins for a bit more deliciousness and you have a treat that any kid will love.

Where Did Ants on a Log Originate

No one is really sure where ants on a log came from or when it started. However, it was first published in the Star Tribune in a story about kids helping out in the kitchen. The article was published in February, 1959

When is National Ants on a Log Day

Did you know that there was a day all about this delicious snack? The 2nd Tuesday in September is National Ants on a Log day. This day is the day to make sure you are making this iconic kids snack.

Since September is when kids go back to school, by the 2nd Tuesday of the month, kids, parents and teachers are in full Back to School mode, making Ants on the Log the perfect snack.

Is Ants on a Log a Healthy Kids Snack

Whether you are making ants on a log or snowball on a log, this is a simple and healthy kids snack. It makes the perfect after school snack or even to send to in your kid’s lunch box. When it comes to budget friendly snack ideas for kids, Ants on a Log, or in this case Snowballs on a Log are perfect.

Can It Be Made Ahead

You can make Ants on a Log ahead of time. I have made them up to 3 days in advanced. I tend to make them no more than just a day or 2 ahead. As long as they are stored properly, there should be no issues.

How to Store Them

You want to make sure the keep them in the refrigerator. I like to make the snowballs on a log and then place them in an airtight container. I cut the celery stalks down to fit and this also make them more manageable for little hands.

How to Pack Ants on a Log

After I have cut the celery sticks down and finish making them, I place the pieces inside of small lunch box storage containers. If you are worried about them moving in the container and want to make sure they are not making a mess with the peanut butter, place a small piece of parchment paper or wax paper over the celery in the container.

Can I Use Other Nut Butters

I am using peanut butter and this is the classic spread when making this recipe. However, there is no reason that you cannot use another nut butter spread. There are plenty of nut butters that you can use as well as things like sunflower butter. Anything that you can use like peanut butter you can use to make these.

Variations to This Peanut Butter Snack

There are a lot of ways to change up this recipe. You can make snowballs on a log like I am here. You can also use different nut butters or spreads, including hazelnut spread. These little changes can make this recipe even better and give the kids a delicious change.

• Cranberries, dried blueberries or dried cherries. Any type of dried fruits will work.
• Fresh Fruit- use things like tiny pieces of apples or cut grapes. Even bananas would work.
• Chocolate chips- While this adds sugar and takes some of the healthiness away, mini chocolate chips will taste fantastic on top of the celery with peanut butter

Ingredients

• Celery
• Peanut Butter
• Raisins

How to Make Ants on a Log/ Snowball on a Log

Trim and wash the celery.

Spread the inside of the celery with peanut butter.

Place the raisins, whether plain or yogurt covered, on the peanut butter and press it into place.

Cut the celery in half and enjoy.

More Kids Snacks

• Glitter Grapes
• Healthy Berry Smoothie Recipe
• The Best Ever Banana Nut Muffin Recipe
• Easy Dr Seuss Snacks
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