A Fun Quick and Healthy Lunch Kids Can't Resist: Birch Log with Red Ants

One of my children's favorite lunches or breakfasts, for that matter, is a variation of an old time healthy favorite, "Ants on a Log." We call it, "Birch Log with Red Ants"because an unpeeled banana resembles the white color of a birch log. This recipe calls for Nutella which can be found in the health food or gourmet section of most grocery stores.

Nutella is a healthy mixture of hazelnuts, skim milk, and a very small bit of cocoa (which the kids will adore). If you can't find Nutella you can substitute hazelnut or cashew butter.

Birch Log with Red Ants (makes one serving)

Ingredients

Banana
Nutella
Peanut Butter (chunky or smooth)
*Crasins (raisins, papaya, coconut or other small pieces of dried fruit can be substituted)

Instructions

Peel the banana but save the peel
Slice the banana lengthwise in half
Spread one half of the banana with Nutella
Spread the other half of the banana with either chunky or smooth peanut butter
Press the two sides of the banana together
Top the banana with Crasins (other dried fruit)

Wrap the banana in the saved peel to protect it transport if it is being taken to school. You can put the banana in the refrigerator overnight but the peel will turn black. It does not hurt anything but it does not look to appealing (unless your child is into that stage where they like to gross out their friends). Don't worry, I won't tell them how good this meal is for them. It can be our secret!

Serving suggestions

Serve with baby carrots, dried fruit, and a container of organic milk sent from home

*If you want to dry your own sweetened cranberries grab a bag of cranberries (12 oz),
1 cup sugar and ½ cup water. Bring the mixture to a boil and the cranberries will start to pop open. Drain the berries in a colander. Smash berries slightly with potato masher or large fork (this is to aid in the drying process). Place them in a food dehydrator and move trays around periodically as they dry. If you don't have a dehydrator, turn your oven on warm @ 150-200 degrees and spread berries out on parchment paper after they have been thoroughly drained. Check berries every couple hours until dry and leather-like. It might take up to 8 hours to dry this way but it is worth it!