Compliments of Chef Aran Essig CEC, CCA
Executive Chef, University of Northern Colorado

Amaranth is an ancient grain, originally touted by the Aztecs as the “miracle grain.” Though, not a true grain (rather a seed of an herb), amaranth is protein- and fiber-rich and adds a sweet, nutty taste to this Spanish dessert.

Ingredients

• 1 cup Amaranth
• 1 cup Water
• ½ tsp Salt
• 1 oz Unsalted butter
• 6 cups Milk
• ¾ C + 2 Tbsp Granulated sugar
• 1-2 Oranges,  zested
• ½ tsp Cinnamon
• 6 Eggs
• 4 Egg yolks
• ¼ tsp Almond extract

Directions:

1. Prepare flan dishes or small glass bowls with a light coat of non stick spray.
2. Combine the amaranth, water and salt. Bring to a simmer and cook until the amaranth is tender and the water is completely absorbed. Turn off heat, stir in butter and cover. Let rest 10 minutes.
3. Heat milk, sugar, cinnamon and orange zest over low heat  for 15 minutes. Strain.
4. In a large metal bowl, whisk together the eggs and egg yolks until light.
5. Temper eggs with the hot milk – mix a small amount of the hot milk mixture into the eggs to warm them up before adding all of the eggs into the milk mixture.
6. Place the mixing bowl with the milk and egg mixture over a pot of simmering water. The bowl should not touch the water. While whisking constantly, cook the mixture over the water until it reaches 142 degrees Fahrenheit. Mixture should have thickened slightly.
7. Remove from heat and stir in the amaranth and almond extract.
8. Portion the mixture into the prepared dishes and place those baking dishes into a baking pan.
9. Set the baking pan on the oven shelf. Pour enough hot water into the pan around the cups so that the level of water is about as high as the custard mixture. Bake at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for approximately 40 minutes or until set.
10. Allow to chill to 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below.
11. To remove the custard, place each dish in hot water for 2 minutes, cut around the edge with a sharp knife and invert onto a serving plate.
12. Garnish with fresh berries or other fruit.