The year of amaranth

Now that most people have finally figured out how to pronounce “quinoa,” and the price per pound of the superfood tripled in the last few years—oh yeah, 2013 was the International Year of Quinoa—it's time to expand our pseudocereal horizons with amaranth. It's in the same family as quinoa, and similarly is high in protein, calcium, iron, magnesium and other nutrients. But more importantly, it's deliciously versatile, and amaranth costs about half as much as $7-a-pound quinoa. Cook the tiny sand-colored seeds like rice, pop them like popcorn, or make them into hot cereal. They add a dance-in-your-seat crunchy texture to baked goods and these savory lentil patties at http://tinyurl.com/amaranthpatties. Also try them in these vegan chocolate-peanut-butter cups: http://tinyurl.com/amaranthcups. Mmm, suck it, Reese's.