This modified old-fashioned dessert is a refreshing gluten-free and dairy-free pudding. I used the recipe on the back of the tapioca granule package. Traditionally milk is used but here I use coconut milk. Also, I replace 1/2 cup sugar with 1 Tbsp. of honey and some stevia extract so this dessert is not high in carbs. Since I love cardamom in desserts, I add it also. Serve this pudding over some fresh or frozen berries.

Serves 4

1/3 cup small pearl tapioca
3/4 cup water
1 cup classic canned coconut milk diluted with 1 cup water
1/4 tsp salt
1 Tbsp. ghee
2 egg yolks and 1 egg white
2 Tbsp. honey or 2 Tbsp. organic sugar
zest of one organic lemon
stevia extract to taste
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1/2 tsp. ground cardamom
2 cups fresh or frozen berries of your choice

Soak tapioca granules in 3/4 cup water in a bowl for at least 30 minutes (best to soak overnight). Leave the soak water that is not absorbed with the pearls. Place soaked tapioca and its soak water in a double boiler and add the diluted coconut milk, cardamom, beaten egg yolks, and salt.. Stir well. Now place double boiler over boiling water and leave for 10 minutes or so without stirring while it heats up and granules on the bottom start to cook. As soon as the mixture starts to simmer, begin to stir it (you should notice that the tapioca granules have swelled and become translucent) and heat for another 10 minutes while it continues to simmer and thicken. Remove from heat. It will thicken more as it cools. Now beat 1 egg white (discard the other) in a bowl with an electric beater until stiff, white peaks form. Add honey, lemon zest, and vanilla to the beaten egg white and beat briefly. Remove tapioca mixture from heat. Let cool for 10 minutes and fold beaten egg white in until uniform mixture forms. Taste and add stevia if desired. Pour an equal amount into each of 4 dessert cups. Top with 1/2 cup berries per cup. Also may serve cold.