FAST FIX

OLD-FASHIONED TAPIOCA

My family loves old-fashioned tapioca, but I don’t always have time to make it. So, I came up with this simple recipe. It lets us enjoy one of our favorites without all the hands-on time.

—RUTH PETERS BEL AIR, MD



PREP: 10 MIN. • COOK:1/2 HOURS • MAKES: 18 SERVINGS


8 cups 2% milk

1 cup pearl tapioca

1 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar

1/8 teaspoon salt

4 large eggs

1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Sliced fresh strawberries and whipped cream, optional

1. In a 4- to 5-qt. slow cooker, combine the milk, tapioca, sugar and salt. Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours.

2. In a large bowl, beat the eggs; stir in a small amount of the hot tapioca mixture. Return all to the slow cooker, stirring to combine. Cover and cook 30 minutes longer or until a thermometer reads 160°. Stir in vanilla.

3. Serve with strawberries and whipped cream if desired.