September 10th is National Ants On A Log Day #AntsOnALogDay and with #Halloween around the corner I bet the kids would like to make Ants On A Log. Did you know when Charlie was 4 he took a Cooking Class at our local Rec Center. I can’t wait to remake this with Charlie. Would you like to help us?
Did you know National Ants on a Log Day is celebrated on the second Tuesday of September in honor of a protein-packed snack we all love? Which means National Ants on a Log Day falls on September 10th this year.
Ants on a Log’ is actually Celery, coated with Peanut Butter and topped with Raisins. As children go back to school, this iconic American snack is the brain food they need to stay recharged throughout the day. If you are a fan of Peanut Butter, occasionally enjoy Celery, and can tolerate Raisins, then Ants on a Log Day is the perfect holiday for you.
Americans have always had a hit-or-miss relationship with snacks. While healthy snacks like Carrot & Ranch, Nuts, and Yogurt are household favorites, some are loaded with fats and other unhealthy stuff. For a nation that loves snacks more than a three-course meal, it is hard to find the right balance in consumption.
Thankfully, there is one snack that is both delicious and nutritious: Peanut Butter on Celery Sticks. Stamped and approved by the McKinley Health Center at the University of Illinois, Ants on a Log Day is a mouthful of healthy delight.
Breaking down Ants on a Log, you have the bottom-most layer which is Celery. Moving up, you have a spread of finger-licking-good Peanut Butter, which is an excellent source of protein. Finishing the recipe up, you have Raisins, which is a stealthy source of Selenium, Zinc, and Vitamin C.
Although the first time ‘Ants on a Log’ was used was in the 1950s, it wasn’t until 2014 when Peanut Butter & Co. and Duda Farm Fresh Foods submitted a request to recognize the second Saturday of every September to honor Ants on A Log Day. And we are glad they did it. This low-calorie, nutritious, and delicious snack most certainly deserves a holiday of its own. Doesn’t it?
National Ants on a Log Day Activities
- In this DIY exercise, let the participants make their own Ants On a Log with a diverse set of ingredients. Allow them to use their creativity by attempting other variations like Ants on a Snowy Log (Ricotta Cheese version) or Ants on Vacation (without Raisins).
- Celery, Peanut Butter, and Raisins are all incredibly healthy and nutritious. In a single bite, you get a dose of protein, fiber, folate, potassium, and vitamin K. Eating Ants on a Log is carrying the message of the importance of a balanced diet.
- Involve your kids in the celebration because it’s cool to pass down traditions. If you have a loved one rejoining school in September, make sure you share your knowledge with them, as you munch on the goodness of Celery and Peanut Butter.
Facts About American Snacks
- Did you know in a food survey by “Punchbowl,” 25% of people confessed that eating a snack stopped them from having a public meltdown.
- 32% of partygoers admitted that the best snack in a party is the humble Tortilla Chip then the list is followed by Potato Chips, which was the choice of snack of 25% of partygoers.
- No matter how much it is frowned upon, over 46% of Americans share a love for double-dipping their Chips/Veggies into the Dip or Sauce. I don’t know about you but I will not tolerate Double Dipping at all period. How about you?
- According to a “YouGov” poll, M&M’s top the list of being the most popular snack brand in America, followed by Hershey’s Milk Chocolate.
- A survey revealed that 50% of Americans love to snack in bed.
Why We Love National Ants on a Log Day
- People love Peanut Butter and any excuse to eat peanut Butter up is always welcome.
- Ants on a Log is an iconic American snack that ticks all the nutrition boxes.
- Ants On A Stick doesn’t burn a hole in our pocket.
- Schools reopening can be tough on children and a fun activity planned around snacks can help them ease into their routines.
- Creating Ants on a Stick brings families closer together while preparing a healthy snack.
Ingredients
- 5 stalks celery
- 1⁄2 cup peanut butter
- 1⁄4 cup raisins
Instructions
- Wash the celery sticks and slice each stick in half.
- Spread the peanut butter into the grooves of each celery stick.
- Place the raisins on top to represent ants on a log. Enjoy!
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
