"ants on a log" news and stories

• Chefs tend to their culinary creations with medical precision, utilizing medical tweezers for the finishing touches on a dish.
• Meet the burger of the Balkans, pljsekavica -- a patty that is worth the pronunciation hassle.
• The Russian government issued a ban Tuesday on United States chicken imports -- citing the chlorine disinfection methods American companies use as their reasoning.
• Sam Sifton takes a Roman holiday in his latest review of Danny Meyer's latest, Maialino -- "it leaves a diner panting a little, ready for sleep."
• From ants on a log to the requisite Hostess cake, America is a nation of perpetual snacking.

Ants on a Log is a kids snack food that has been around for a long, long time. Though I never personally saw the resemblance, it gets its name from the fact that the raisins dotting the celery are supposed to look like ants. On a log, obviously.

These are very simple to make and your kids should be able to make them by themselves (with a dull knife or spoon, for safety) without supervision. Simply wash and dry several stalks of celery. Spread some with cream cheese and some with peanut butter, then dot them with raisins and dried cranberries, though any kind of dried fruits will work beautifully. The Ants on a Log can be prepared at the last minute or in advance and they're a great addition to party food. Not only are they a fairly healthy snack for the kids, but the grownups will enjoy them too.

[Photo by Nicole Weston]