No Fluff Tapioca Pudding

Ingredients

• 3 cups milk, -divided (I used half ff milk and half ff half and half)
• 1/3 cup small pearl tapioca (not instant)
• 1 egg (lightly beaten)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/3 cup sugar (its plenty sweet, could use less)
• 1 vanilla bean, split or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 dash nutmeg (optional)
• 1 dash cinnamon (optional)

Directions

1. 1

   In a heavy bottomed sauce pan combine 1 cup milk with tapioca pearls; let soak for at least 30 minutes.

2. 2

   After soaking is done, whisk in egg, salt, sugar and remaining milk and vanilla bean (if using) scraping the paste with a knife and throw in the pod (if using vanilla extract add at the very end after pudding is complete).

3. 3

   Over medium heat bring mixture barely to a boil (about 15 minutes) stirring constantly. Be very careful to keep stirring so not to scorch it. If it scorches it's no good, throw out and start over.

4. 4

   When boiling reduce heat and let mixture fall to a simmer. Continue stirring until the tapioca is fully cooked and the pudding is thickened. This could take 20 to 45 minutes--watch your tapioca it will tell you when it is done. It will swell up and become almost entirely translucent. Taste often for doneness. I like my tapioca a little chewy.

5. 5

   When finished remove from heat and add vanilla extract if using. Also if using the cinnamon/nutmeg add now, let cool a bit and enjoy.

6. 6

   This is best served warm, but good cold too.