How to Make Ants on a Log

Ants on a Log is a classic snack that has been a favorite for generations of students and campers. It is more than just a tasty treat; it is a creative way to eat healthy vegetables and protein. This snack gets its name from its clever appearance. The green celery represents a fallen log, the creamy filling looks like sticky mud, and the dark raisins represent a line of busy ants marching through the forest.

To begin, gather your supplies. You will need a few stalks of fresh celery, a jar of peanut butter (or a nut-free alternative like sunflower butter or cream cheese), and a handful of raisins. You will also need a dull butter knife or a small spatula to help you assemble your snack.

First, wash your celery stalks thoroughly under cool, running water. Use your fingers to scrub away any dirt hiding in the ridges. Once they are clean, pat them dry with a clean paper towel. It is very important that the celery is completely dry because if the surface is wet, the filling will slide right off the 'log.' After the celery is dry, ask an adult to help you trim the ends and cut each stalk into pieces about four inches long.

Next, you will practice the most important part: spreading the filling. Hold a piece of celery in one hand. Use your butter knife to scoop out a small dollop of your chosen spread. Starting at one end of the celery, press the spread into the hollow groove and pull the knife toward the other end. Try to keep the filling level with the top of the celery edges. It takes a steady hand to make sure the 'mud' is smooth and even.

Finally, place your 'ants' on the log. Carefully press four or five raisins into the filling, spacing them out so it looks like they are walking in a straight line.

If you want to try a variation, you can make 'Fire Ants on a Log' by replacing the raisins with dried cranberries. For a winter version, use cream cheese and white yogurt-covered raisins to make 'Polar Bears on an Iceberg.' Your challenge is to create a new version of this snack using a different fruit or vegetable. What will your 'ants' be next time?