For DPD deliveries please order before 12pm on Sat 21st December 2024*. *Couriers cannot guarantee a pre-Christmas delivery if there are unforeseen circumstances
For anyone fond of poppers, here's a healthy version. Commonly used to make naturally gluten free porridge or popped for cereals, amaranth is thought to have been cultivated wild for 8000 years before being domesticated around 4000BC. One plant produces up to 100,000 nutty tasting seeds which can be 16% protein and contain the amino acid lysine - unusual in plants but vital for human health.
This is a super-light chocolate bar that's very quick to make.
Ingredients:
120g dark chocolate
100g amaranth
80g almond butter (unsweetened)
1 ½ tbsp coconut oil
½ tsp vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
Method:
Prepare a 2lb cake tin by greasing and lining with parchment paper.
Using a non-stick saucepan and lid, heat it on a medium to high heat, then gradually add a tablespoon at a time of amaranth, then quickly put the lid on. Within 10 seconds the amaranth will pop, shake the pan to move the grains around. Once popped tip into a bowl and repeat until all the amaranth is popped.
In a bain marie, melt the chocolate with the almond butter and coconut oil, then add the salt and vanilla. Once melted and mixture is smooth take off the heat and mix the amaranth in. Once all amaranth is coated, pour into the lined tin and using the back of a spoon, smooth over the surface to get an even finish.
Place in the fridge for a couple of hours, then take out and cut into desired size pieces. Keep stored in the fridge.
Here's a bit of fun for Christmas which the kids will love having a go with. You'll need the cookie cutters, but they come in all shapes, sizes and designs nowadays.
Also known as a Berliner in Germany and a ponchik in Poland, Michael used to queue up excitedly for similar ones as a child, at the bustling Bakery in the Old Kent Road.
Hanukkah (Chanukah) is a Jewish festival commemorating the recovery of Jerusalem and subsequent rededication of the Second Temple in the 2nd century BC.