I see your comment and my answer to it just above what I am writing here, so hope you can see them too!

Adding flaked coconut would be a great addition, if you can have it, but use sparingly as it is high in fat. I avoid it because Dr. Swank “forbid” it as a food for those with MS.
As I said in my reply above, the amaranth really does make the cookies. Someone else tried the original recipe with millet and was underwhelmed. I can see why. I like cooked millet, but it’s mild, and doesn’t “bind” in the same way the tiny cooked amaranth seeds do. The quinoa has almost the same consistency as the amaranth, but it has a very strong taste, too, which might seem too “grassy” in the cookies. Perhaps that could be offset my more sweetener or fruit. I would recommend splurging on some Bob’s Red Mill amaranth the next time you have to order something from Amazon. It really goes well in this recipe. Another suitable substitue is teff, which I tried out. It’s also a very tiny seed. That may be hard for you to find as well. Amaranth is really the “faux grain” of choice here, but do let me know how your experiments go! I’m wishing you the best with it all. 🙂

Sherril Twitchell

And yes, I did grow up in Sacramento. So fun to know you’ve been to FairyTale Town with your grandsons! When I was growing up I was actually friends with the granddaughter of Gunther’s Ice Cream. Her mother was a teacher, along with one of our neighbors and my Mom, which is how we met. They sold the business though, I think. Vic’s is still there though! But times change, and as you say, now it’s off to Yogurt Monkey!

Sounds like you grew up in Sacramento. I take my grandsons to FairyTale Town but I believe Gunther’s is gone now. We go to Yogurt Monkey 🙂

Sherril Twitchell