Monday, May 05, 2008

Putting out pudding (tapioca)

I've had pudding on the brain all week. I think it started with seeing this. And then searching around for puddings, I saw this and then this. I've never made Tapioca before but a simple, basic, creamy, vanilla-flavored thick pudding was just what I wanted. Did you know that tapioca is essentially pearls formed from the starch from the bitter-cassava plant? I stayed true to basics and didn't add any flavorings other than vanilla bean, although the possibilities are certainly endless, and the addition of lemon or cardamom would provide a wonderful twist. There's a lot of stirring and watching involved . . . but you can contemplate the past week, the week ahead, other dishes on the "to do list", the weather. . .

20 comments:

Gigi said...

Sabra, that tapioca pudding looks divine! I've never made it before but you have certainly inspired me to try.

Andreea said...

after our trip to brazil i am very much into tapioca. we recently bought the mentioned 'pearls' ... now they are wiaitng to be used. thanks for the inspiration.

Cannelle Et Vanille said...

I happen to love puddings. That is my favorite texture in dessert and if they have a million specs of vanilla much better. Your photos are always so beautiful Sabra. Fabulous job!

Anonymous said...

Wow! Inspiring images.

Anonymous said...

Beautiful! May I ask where you get your containers from, especially the one holding the tapioca balls?

Anonymous said...

Your photo makes me want to eat it right this second. I also love the little jar - great presentation.

Tarah at Genesis of a Cook said...

Oh man. I love pudding. This looks fantastic!

Anonymous said...

I love the jar you served the tapioca pudding in, and those tapioca pearls are beautiful!

Anonymous said...

Absolutely gorgeous!

Anonymous said...

i love pudding, and i especially love your presentation - i'm definitely stealing that, i have those same jars at home and a cherry tree that's about to fruit!

Anonymous said...

These photos are absolutely gorgeous. I think that I have pudding on the brain myself now!

Anonymous said...

Great photo! I'd love to have a cup of this pudding right now!!

Anonymous said...

Another stunning photo! :) This looks so delicious!~

Anonymous said...

Now I want tapioca right now! And that bottom photo is perfect.

Jescel said...

Yum.. love tapioca.. actually, anything that has to do with cassava! Love your blog.. will be visiting often, for sure.

Sabra said...

Hi - thank you so much for all your comments! Tapioca is not so photogenic so I'm glad you enjoyed the photos! "Anonymous" - I got the jars at the container store - they are a more squat version of these jars than I've seen before and make a good single portion size.
Andreea: I never knew tapioca was from Brazil before I started reading about it - apparently the word is derived from the Tupi language of Brazil?
Steal-away Michelle - happy to have given you an idea : )

Y said...

What a glorious photo. You've inspired me. I've been thinking about cooking with tapioca recently too, but hadn't done anything about it. After seeing your pudding, I think it's given me the push I need.

Vera said...

Amazing photography! I've been browsing through your posts... I'm speechless... so beautiful!
Congratulations with your award, you've certainly deserved it!

Anonymous said...

Congratulations on your award! Well deserved.

Anonymous said...

Tapioca pudding is one of my favorite, favorite things ever! My Grandma used to make it for me as a special treat and now I make it often enough to sneak it for breakfast a couple days a week.

Thank you for the beautiful serving presentation ideas.

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