Chocolate Tapioca

by Stephanie Zonis

Chocolate Tapioca

4 to 4-1/2 cups, about 8 servings

Hey, what are you laughing at? Have you tried this? If you had, you'd be too busy eating to laugh. Tapioca pudding is an old-fashioned dessert that's gotten some mighty bad press over the years. This version is made with quick-cooking tapioca (I use Minute Brand) and bittersweet chocolate. It's rich and not too sweet. When warm or freshly made, it's soothing and creamy; if it stands longer, it becomes more spongy and less creamy in texture, but it's delicious either way. This will keep in the refrigerator for up to four days, if tightly covered, but it doesn't freeze. If you like, serve with lightly sweetened whipped cream.

2 eggs, graded "large", separated
1/2 cup plus 1 Tbsp. granulated sugar, divided
2 cups whole milk
2/3 cup heavy cream
4 Tbsp. quick-cooking tapioca
Pinch salt
4 ozs. good-quality bittersweet chocolate,
chopped medium-fine
1 tsp. vanilla

Place egg whites in small bowl; set aside. Measure out 1/4 cup of the sugar; set it aside near the egg whites (reserve remainder).

In small cup, beat egg yolks with small amount of milk until well-mixed. In 2 to 2-1/2 quart heavy-bottomed, non-reactive saucepan, combine reserved 1/4 cup plus 1 Tbsp. sugar, milk, yolk mixture, cream, tapioca, and salt. With large spoon, stir well to combine. Allow to stand for 5 full minutes (do not omit this step).

After 5 minutes, with hand-held electric mixer or egg beater, beat whites till very foamy. Gradually add 1/4 cup sugar, beating after each addition, till soft peaks form. Set aside near stove (do not wash beater(s) yet).

Add chopped chocolate to tapioca mixture. Set over medium heat. Stir constantly just until mixture reaches a full boil (mixture will thicken slightly, and any flecks of chocolate should disappear when full boil is reached). Remove from heat. If necessary, quickly re-beat whites to soft peak stage. Quickly stir whites thoroughly into hot tapioca mixture. Add vanilla. Allow to stand at room temperature 20 minutes. Stir again. Spoon into large bowl, individual bowls, or wine glasses. Eat warm or chill (tapioca will thicken considerably when cold). If you wish, place plastic wrap directly on surface of warm tapioca to prevent the formation of a "skin".

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