Ants on a log facts for kids
Ants on a log is a fun and simple snack. It is made by spreading a creamy topping like peanut butter or cream cheese onto a piece of celery. Then, small toppings like raisins or chocolate chips are placed on top. These small toppings look like "ants" crawling on a "log" of celery.
This snack is thought to have gotten its name around the 1950s. The classic version with peanut butter is often suggested as a healthy snack. Its playful name and simple taste make it a favorite for children.
How Ants on a Log Began
Celery stuffed with different fillings became popular in the early 1900s. People often filled celery with cheese, especially cream cheese. They sometimes added toppings like capers or olives.
No one knows for sure who first thought of putting peanut butter and raisins on celery. However, the Girl Scouts helped make this combination very popular. The recipe appeared in their cookbooks as early as 1946. Back then, it was just called "Celery Sticks" and did not include raisins.
The first time the name "Ants on a Log" was seen in print was in a newspaper article. It was published in the Star Tribune on February 15, 1959. The article mentioned "ants on a log" as one of the snacks a family shared.
Fun Ways to Make Ants on a Log
There are many creative ways to make "Ants on a Log." You can change the "log," the "spread," or the "ants"! Here are some popular ideas:
- Gnats on a log: Use tiny currants instead of raisins for smaller "ants."
- Ants on vacation: Make the snack without any "ants" (raisins) on top.
- Ants on a Slip 'n Slide: Add a drizzle of honey over the peanut butter before adding the raisins. This makes it extra sweet and sticky!
- Ants in the Pants: Make the snack without any spread. It's just celery with "ants" on it.
- Fireants on a log: Use dried cranberries instead of raisins. Their red color looks like fire ants!
- Hippopotamuses on Thomases: This is a different snack! It uses half of an English muffin with peanut butter and prunes.
- Ghost Ants on a Log: Use mini marshmallows instead of raisins. They look like little white ghosts!
- Ticks on a stick: Replace the peanut butter and raisins with cream cheese and chopped black olives.
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