reset mysql password

[PhatPhrank]

mac book pro OSX 10.11.6
XAMPP 5.6.36-0

I am starting to learn PHP/MYSQL. Following the steps in a For Dummies book I set the password for local root to something I don't remember. Now XAMMP goes as far as starting MYSQL then a dialog box says the passwords don't match. Is there a way to reset the passwords on MYSQL when phpmyadmin will not open? I have uninstalled and reinstalled XAMMP with no effect.