It’s fun for everyone to watch the amaranth pop around the skillet before making this candy. Be sure to use a heavy skillet so the amaranth doesn’t burn and only pop 1/2 tablespoon at a time or you will have trouble keeping it in the pan!
It’s possible to buy popped or puffed amaranth if you want to make this candy without popping the amaranth yourself. Use 1/2 cup and stir it into the peanut butter and honey.
AMARANTH PEANUT BUTTER BALLS (Pantry Cooking: Unlocking Your Pantry’s Potential, page 128)
2 tablespoons amaranth
1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
2 tablespoons honey
Place 1/2 tablespoon of amaranth in a very hot, heavy skillet. Amaranth should begin to pop like popcorn almost immediately. Quickly stir with a flat edged wooden spoon or a pastry brush until amaranth stops popping. Immediately pour into a bowl. Pop remaining amaranth 1/2 tablespoon at a time. Allow to cool slightly. Stir in peanut butter and honey. Mix thoroughly. Form into balls about 3/4-inch in diameter. Allow to cool completely. Makes about 15 balls.
