Many of us have warm, fuzzy memories of coming home from school each day to an afternoon snack. PB & J, Oreos and milk, Ritz crackers, fruit—these are a few of the after school snacks I remember seeing on television as a kid. Though my memories of those popular snacks remain, I must confess that I’ve no memory whatsoever of what I actually ate when I came home from school. Fortunately, I’m a student once again, and will likely be one for a good many years hence. So I’ve got a second chance at after school snacks.
These crunchy, sweet, and salty celery sticks stuffed with curried sunflower seed spread are a wonderful way to end a school day (or any day). I love the contrast of warming curry with cool, refreshing celery. And they evoke childhood memories of ants on a log in a delightfully creative way.
celery sticks and raisins(optional, for serving "ants on a log" style)
Instructions
Add sunflower seeds to a food processor fitted with the S blade and pulse to combine. Add the curry, garlic, aminos (or alternative), and the date. Pulse again, until the date has been broken down into pieces.
With the motor of the food processor running, drizzle the water into the pouring spout in a thin stream. Process the mixture for 2-3 minutes, or until it's creamy and has an even consistency (it will not become completely smooth, but it should be spreadable and even). Stop once or twice to scrape the sides of the processor down, then re-cover and continue processing. When the spread is well-processed, taste it and adjust vinegar and Bragg liquid aminos (or alternative) to taste.
Serve the curried sunflower seed spread on its own, as a dip. Alternatively, for a fun and nostalgic snack idea, you can add it along the center of carrot sticks and dot with raisins (à la "ants on a log"). Leftover sunflower seed spread can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days or frozen for up to 6 weeks.
So cute and tasty!
Next time you find yourself reaching for some ho-hum trail mix, give this snack a try. You can also serve these delicious celery sticks as an appetizer plate at a party. Feel free to add more curry for extra spice, or some turmeric for some anti-inflammatory power!
Hope the week is already off to a good start for you all. I’m so happy you enjoyed yesterday’s recipe round up.
This looks delicious. I have a vivid memory from my youth, of celery sticks filled with peanut butter. Ironically on the same day that I am reading your post, I also see this snack in BonApetit Magazine online (celery sticks w/ almond butter & smoked paprika);
Thanks so much for the recipe, Gena;) I’m glad you mentioned turmeric can be a substitute for the curry. That seed butter is packed full of anotioxidant and nutrient goodness! I can’t wait to give this one a try…
aww i used to love getting ants on a log growing up! i don’t eat peanut butter anymore because i don’t crave it with so many delish nut/seed butter options these days. i am currently loving a smokey-sweet pumpkin seed butter! i never thought about adding curry but i think i’d prob love this since anything savory with a hint of sweet is my preferred taste test! hope the semester is off to a good start!
My boyfriend and I still love bugs on a log, and this looks like a great savory version! I’ll definitely be using the curried sunflower spread as a salad topper, too!
Sounds yummy and shared with our garden page too! Would love to know more about the aminos though. What do they do and are they necessary? Please advise. They’re the only item missing from our kitchen. Thanks!
What a fun variation on my typical hummus + carrot stick snacks…love the simplicity and accessibility of this sesame spread. I’m drawn to anything curried during these cold, dark winter months – the spicier the better!
Perfect! Damned if I didn’t soak sunflower seeds today to make raw tuna pate but didn’t really have the rest of the ingredients on hand. I’ll pick up some dates and raisins tomorrow but everything else I’ve got! Great timing; sounds delicious.
This is a great idea! It’s perfect for me because, as a student, I need quick and easy snacks/lunches that are also portable, delicious, and nutritious – just like this one. Your curried sunflower spread also sounds like it would be good with roasted sweet potato batons or bell pepper slices; I’m definitely trying this!
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So. Much. YUM. Loved this! ๐
I’m with you, Carol! Thank you! It’s now no wonder why I don’t care for the Kale Salad a local health food market makes, because they use the Bragg’s Amino Acids and I think it’s way too salty! I think I can do without, actually. Here’s more discussion info I found, as well… <3 http://paleohacks.com/questions/114583/what-exactly-is-braggs-liquid-aminos-honestly#axzz2K7bwzAkH
This looks delicious. I have a vivid memory from my youth, of celery sticks filled with peanut butter. Ironically on the same day that I am reading your post, I also see this snack in BonApetit Magazine online (celery sticks w/ almond butter & smoked paprika);
http://www.bonappetit.com/recipes/2013/01/2013-cleanse/day-4
Quick & delcious!
What a fun idea, great presentation and I think my nieces would love this too!
Thanks so much for the recipe, Gena;) I’m glad you mentioned turmeric can be a substitute for the curry. That seed butter is packed full of anotioxidant and nutrient goodness! I can’t wait to give this one a try…
aww i used to love getting ants on a log growing up! i don’t eat peanut butter anymore because i don’t crave it with so many delish nut/seed butter options these days. i am currently loving a smokey-sweet pumpkin seed butter! i never thought about adding curry but i think i’d prob love this since anything savory with a hint of sweet is my preferred taste test! hope the semester is off to a good start!
I LOVE Sunbutter!! I’ve tried to make my own but had no luck. This looks delicious Gena! Great recipe:) Thanks for the inspiration!
My boyfriend and I still love bugs on a log, and this looks like a great savory version! I’ll definitely be using the curried sunflower spread as a salad topper, too!
My daughter loves celery, raisins and curry flavor! I’m
Making these for us today! ๐
Sounds yummy and shared with our garden page too! Would love to know more about the aminos though. What do they do and are they necessary? Please advise. They’re the only item missing from our kitchen. Thanks!
Allison,
You can also use low sodium tamari or soy sauce! Liquid aminos are similar.
G
Thank you! (See further comment below…) <3
Yummy! That looks like a healthy and fun snack!
What a fun variation on my typical hummus + carrot stick snacks…love the simplicity and accessibility of this sesame spread. I’m drawn to anything curried during these cold, dark winter months – the spicier the better!
Um ADORABLE. I love nostalgic snacks ๐ Thanks Gena!
That’s a cool idea for a snack. What does soaking the seeds overnight do?
Stephi,
Soaking removes some of the enzyme inhibitors and softens them for processing. I don’t always soak, but it does improve digestibility.
G
Oh ok, thanks for letting me know ๐
Perfect! Damned if I didn’t soak sunflower seeds today to make raw tuna pate but didn’t really have the rest of the ingredients on hand. I’ll pick up some dates and raisins tomorrow but everything else I’ve got! Great timing; sounds delicious.
This is a great idea! It’s perfect for me because, as a student, I need quick and easy snacks/lunches that are also portable, delicious, and nutritious – just like this one. Your curried sunflower spread also sounds like it would be good with roasted sweet potato batons or bell pepper slices; I’m definitely trying this!
SUCH a cute idea! I love the combo of cool and warming too. I think that My Love would really enjoy coming home from work to a plate of theses ๐
Thanks Ali! I hope you’ve been well ๐
Very well! I hope that all is well in your world too <3