Celery Stalks with Peanut Butter and Raisins

Introduction

You cut the celery into 4- to 5-inch pieces, spread peanut butter on top, and finish with raisins for a quick snack often called ants on a log. The crunchy celery and soft peanut butter give you contrast with almost no prep, so it works for lunch boxes, after-school snacks, or a small snack for 1 to 2 people.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 5 minutes
• Servings: 1 to 2 people

Ingredients

• Celery stalks (enough to have 1 or 2 for each person)
• Peanut butter
• Raisins

Instructions

1. Cut the celery up into pieces, maybe 4 or 5 inches (about 10-13 cm). This is the “log”.
2. Spread peanut butter on top of the celery.
3. Put raisins on top. These are the “ants”.

Variations

• Replace the peanut butter with almond butter for a slightly looser spread and a milder nut flavor.
• Replace the peanut butter with sunflower seed butter to keep the same format while making the snack nut-free.
• Replace the raisins with dried cranberries for a tarter, less classic topping.
• Cut the celery into shorter pieces than 4 or 5 inches if you want smaller, easier-to-pack portions for lunch boxes.

Tips for Success

• Dry the celery well after washing so the peanut butter sticks instead of sliding off.
• Spread the peanut butter in a moderate layer; too much makes the raisins roll off and overwhelms the celery.
• Press the raisins lightly into the peanut butter so they stay in place when you pick up the celery.
• If you want the best crunch, cut the celery just before serving and assemble at the last minute.

Storage and Reheating

You can store cut celery in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you assemble the celery with peanut butter and raisins, keep it in a single layer in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day; after that, the celery starts to lose crunch and can release moisture.

You do not need to reheat this recipe. Serve it cold or let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes if the peanut butter has firmed up in the fridge.

You should not freeze it, because the celery turns watery and soft when thawed.

FAQ

Can you make these ahead for lunch boxes?

Yes, but they are better fresh. If you need to prep ahead, cut the celery in advance and add the peanut butter and raisins closer to serving time.

What kind of peanut butter works best?

A smooth, spreadable peanut butter is easiest to apply evenly. If your peanut butter is very oily or very stiff, stir it well first so the raisins stick better.

Can you use a different topping instead of raisins?

Yes. Dried cranberries or currants work well and change the sweetness and size of the topping without changing the basic snack.

How do you make this nut-free?

Use sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter. You keep the same creamy texture and assembly, but remove the nuts.