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Healthy Picky Eater Lunchbox Ideas with Ants on a Log and Protein Crackers

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A simple, wholesome, and kid-friendly lunchbox featuring classic ants on a log with natural peanut butter and homemade protein crackers packed with seeds and whole grains.

Ingredients

Scale
  • Celery stalks, washed and cut into 3-inch pieces
  • Natural peanut butter, smooth or chunky
  • Raisins or dried cranberries (unsweetened if possible)
  • 1 cup whole wheat flour (or almond flour for gluten-free option)
  • 1/2 cup rolled oats
  • 1/4 cup ground flaxseed
  • 1/4 cup toasted sunflower seeds
  • 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (or avocado oil)
  • 1/3 cup water (adjust as needed for dough consistency)
  • Optional: 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup whole wheat flour, 1/2 cup rolled oats, 1/4 cup ground flaxseed, 1/4 cup toasted sunflower seeds, 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds, and 1/2 teaspoon sea salt. Mix well to distribute seeds evenly.
  2. Pour in 2 tablespoons olive oil and 1/3 cup water. Stir with a spoon until a rough dough forms. If dry, add water 1 tablespoon at a time until dough holds together but isn’t sticky.
  3. Place dough on parchment paper and cover with another sheet. Using a rolling pin, roll the dough out to about 1/8 inch (3 mm) thickness, keeping it as even as possible.
  4. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice dough into squares or rectangles about 1.5 inches (4 cm) wide or fun shapes for kids.
  5. Transfer parchment with cut dough onto a baking sheet. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-18 minutes until golden brown and crisp around edges.
  6. Remove from oven and let crackers cool completely on the baking sheet to firm up.
  7. While crackers bake, wash celery stalks and cut into 3-inch pieces. Spread natural peanut butter evenly inside the celery groove using a small spatula or butter knife.
  8. Top the peanut butter with raisins or dried cranberries, spacing them like little ants walking on a log.
  9. Pack the ants on a log alongside a handful of protein crackers. Optionally add a small container of fresh fruit or veggie sticks for variety.

Notes

Dust parchment lightly with flour if dough sticks when rolling. Watch crackers closely near end of baking to avoid burning. Let crackers cool completely before packing to prevent sogginess. For nut allergies, substitute peanut butter with sunflower seed butter and omit nuts/seeds in crackers.

Nutrition

Keywords: healthy lunchbox, picky eater, ants on a log, protein crackers, kid-friendly snack, homemade crackers, peanut butter snack

Find it online: https://recipebelle.com/healthy-picky-eater-lunchbox-ideas-with-ants-on-a-log-and-protein-crackers/