Step 1

Heat water in the bottom pan of a double boiler. Pour milk into the top pan of the double boiler. Add tapioca pearls. Stir.

Step 2

Cook over boiling water until the pearls are clear. Stir occasionally to keep the pearls from sticking together.

Step 3

Meanwhile, whisk together the eggs, sugar, salt, and vanilla. Add a bit of the hot milk to temper the eggs and avoid curdling.

Step 4

When the pearls are clear, slowly add the egg mixture, stirring constantly.

Step 5

Continue cooking and stirring until the mixture begins to thicken. Do not let it boil.

Step 6

Cool.

Step 7

If desired, add whipped cream or cool whip to the cooled tapioca to make it extra creamy.