Directions:
Soak the tapioca.
In a bowl, mix the tapioca pearls with enough cold water to cover them.
Allow the tapioca to soak for at least 30 minutes, following the instructions on the package if available.
2. Make the Pudding Mix
In a sturdy pot, mix the sugar, milk, eggs, and salt well.
Remove the tapioca pearls from the water and put them in the saucepan with the pudding mixture.
Put the pot on medium heat and let the mixture start to boil gently. Stir continuously to avoid the tapioca from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Make the pudding.
When the mixture starts boiling, lower the heat and let it simmer gently for 15-20 minutes, stirring often.
Keep cooking the pudding until the tapioca pearls become see-through and the mixture thickens to a pudding-like texture.
Take the pot off the stove and mix in the vanilla extract, if desired.
4. Serve and Decorate
Put the tapioca pudding into separate bowls for each person or into a big serving dish.
Let the pudding cool a bit before eating, or put it in the fridge for a few hours for a cold treat.
Add a little bit of ground cinnamon or nutmeg on top of each serving, if you like.
