Raspberry Honey Tapioca
April 14, 2011 at 2:08 pm 123 comments
I’ve wanted to be a journalist ever since the 9th grade. My reasons then were few but passionate – I wanted to use the written word to uncover the truth, to change my community, to travel and inspire and burgeon forth with knowledge. My sense of direction grew stronger with every internship and workshop. When I left Seattle for Boston, I left as a journalism major.
But ever since I got here, I’ve been tainted with doubt. I ignored it for months and tried to enjoy my journalism classes. They sent me into the city for man-on-the-street interviews and to city hall for public records. I learned how to use cameras and microphones to record audio and video packages. And though I’ve loved hearing my voice on the radio and coming up with stories, I don’t like where I’m headed.
The reality I have to face is this – I don’t like hard news. Sifting through police reports, breaking essential details into short graphs, learning the broadcast aspects of journalism necessary to survive today’s newsroom… This isn’t for me. But when you’ve been so sure of your path for so long, the thought of starting fresh terrifies.
I scheduled a visit with my academic advisor. We looked over my schedule for next semester (which was limited, since I’m studying abroad in Europe in the fall). I was clearly less than enthused about the journalism class I’d be taking, the next step on the journalism major ladder. He folded his fingers into a triangle on his desk, leaned forward and asked, “What do you want to do with your life?”
“Well, I want to write,” I said. “I’m interested in freelancing for different magazines, maybe writing a column.”
“Yes,” he interrupted, tapping his pencil on the course catalogue. “Half the kids here want to write. But think about it, seriously. What are you really passionate about?”
That’s when I realized I already knew. Maybe I’d known all along. I flipped to a junior-level class – Creative Writing: Nonfiction Travel Writing – and declared, “This is where I want to be.”
He leaned back in his chair and shrugged his shoulders, like, that’s that. “Then maybe you shouldn’t be a journalism major, if you’d like to get into that class. You know, the only one you seem genuinely excited about.” He handed me a major change form and said, “Mull it over.”
I walked out of his office shaking. Daunted by the work that changing my major conjured. Scared of making the wrong choice. I headed to the mailroom to pick up a package that had arrived for me, trusting my feet to take me there while my head spun.
I don’t frequently receive packages, and at that moment I was unprepared for the lovely surprise that was Heidi Swanson’s (of 101 cookbooks fame) new cookbook, Super Natural Every Day. I tore off the paper as the elevator lurched, and I was already flipping through when I got to my floor.
The cookbook was a relief. This was familiar, well-traveled territory, a path I’d always know was right for me. This cookbook was like breathing.
I worked my way through the sections. Every page offered breathtaking photos, Heidi’s beautiful writing, and recipes that made me want to be a more wholesome eater. I was starved for cookbooks, having left my entire collection at home. This one satisfied a hunger sorely missed. The sides of the book became frilly with scraps of paper, marking the recipes I wanted to try first. I couldn’t bear to dog-ear the corners.
I settled on Heidi’s Honey & Rose Water Tapioca, and walked to the store.
I made the pudding using the stovetop in the common room. I left out the rosewater and used raspberry blossom honey, but otherwise stuck true to Heidi’s recipe. Everything about this all-milk, honey-sweetened dessert comforted. While the common room emptied bags of Fritos and put on a movie, I stirred constellations of tapioca pearls. The custard slowly thickened and the pearls grew plump and opaque. Sometimes people asked what I was making, and the floor taste-tested with plastic spoons.
As the dessert set, inspiration came. I grabbed a notebook and scrawled down the phrases that came to mind – “raspberry honey marries with a flurry of lemon zest,” “bright and wholesome,” “creamy pudding studded with chewy tapioca beads.” Writing and food are inseparable, and good food puts my pencil to paper.
I smoothed the pudding into some Tupperware and looked again at the notebook. Maybe my path has always been this obvious… It just took a little trial and error to figure it out.
The paperwork is official. When people ask what I’m studying, I don’t hesitate to say, “I’m a writing major with a minor in journalism.” And I swell with joy every time.
Maybe somewhere down the road, I’ll try to design my own major. I’ll combine elements of print journalism with writing and publishing and some solid English literature. It isn’t completely clear yet, but I have faith in myself. For now, I’ll enjoy my summer, spend a sleepless semester in Europe, and continue to write and eat.
[PS: I also have some incredible news to share! I’ve been invited to speak at BlogHer Food ’11, on a panel with my Kitchen Generation co-founders about food blogging and the younger crowd. I’ll finally get to meet my fellow teen food bloggers in person after a year of Skype chats. I’ll get to meet scores of food bloggers I truly admire. I almost can’t contain myself.
The conference is May 20-21 in Atlanta, Georgia, and there’s still time to register. Maybe I’ll see you there?]
This tapioca pudding brings back childhood with a decidedly sophisticated twist. It’s thick, creamy, and full-bodied, brightened with lemon zest. The flavor of the honey really shines through true, so pick a milk honey with a flavor you like enough to lick off the spoon.
Make sure to use small pearl tapioca, not instant tapioca. I found a box for $2.99 at Whole Foods (that’s also where you can pick up raspberry honey and rose water.) Bob’s Red Mill small pearl tapioca is a good brand.
The only thing I’d suggest is to make sure the lemon zest is very fine so the texture of the pudding stays utterly smooth.
Raspberry Honey Tapioca
From Heidi Swanson’s Super Natural Every Day
Serves 4-6
3 cups / 710 ml milk
1/3 cup / 2.5 oz / 70 g small pearl tapioca
2 large egg yolks, lightly beaten
1/4 tsp fine-grain sea salt
1/3 cup / 80 ml mild honey (I used raspberry honey)
Grated zest of 1 small lemon
1/4 to 1 tsp rose water (I left this out)
Chopped toasted pistachios or sliced raspberries to garnish
Soak the tapioca in 1 cup / 240 ml of the milk in a medium, heavy saucepan for 30 – 60 minutes. Whisk in the yolks, salt, honey, and remaining milk.
Bring the mixture barely to a boil over medium-low heat, stirring. This will take about 15 minutes. Decrease the heat so the mixture gently simmers, stirring constantly, for another 20 minutes or until the tapioca is fully cooked (this depends on how large your tapioca pearls are.) The tapioca is fully cooked when the pearls swell up and are nearly translucent – tasting is the best way to tell. The pudding itself will also thicken into a custard. Continue to taste and stir, preventing the tapioca from scorching.
Remove the pan from the heat, stir in the lemon zest, then let the pudding cool (it will thicken a bit.) Stir in the rose water, if using, and wait another few minutes. Heidi likes to eat it warm, topped with pistachios, but I liked it cold, with fresh raspberries.
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Entry filed under: Other Treats. Tags: berries, college life, cookbooks, creamy, gluten free, honey, lemon, pudding, raspberries, tapioca.
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17 and Baking 
1. Warren Guykema | April 14, 2011 at 2:29 pm
Glad to see you are discerning your goal. And the journalistic experience you’ve had so far definitely will help you in your future career of writing!
2. Rebecca M. | April 14, 2011 at 2:29 pm
I graduated with a Journalism degree but honestly I never enjoyed hard news. It’s never as exciting as the movies make it out to be. And sitting through council meetings puts me to sleep! However I love finding new places and telling people about them. I love discovering new things and sharing them. I sense that you do too and you have a true knack for writing. Remember college is only the first step in the long journey of you. All this stuff you are doing, it makes for a more interesting journey.
3. Stephanie E. | April 14, 2011 at 2:40 pm
I have been reading your blog for well over a year now and I can honestly say you are already a writer, and you are right, it was obvious to the rest of us a long time ago that this should have been your major from the start :) I honestly feel my heart leap every time I see you have posted a new blog and I share your blog with my students all the time as an example of fine writing they should model (with the food and photos as a bonus!). CAn’t wait to hear about your European adventures!
4. Jenny M. | April 14, 2011 at 2:40 pm
I’m so proud that you took the brave step forward and made a leap of faith into changing your major! It is hard to do – but with your enthusiasm, I have no doubt that you will be successful! ;)
5. d.liff @ yelleBELLYboo | April 14, 2011 at 2:45 pm
Your photos and your words are beautiful. You’ll make a wonderful writing major.
I only took two English-based writing classes in college – the one that all Freshmen take and one creative writing class. Let’s just say it was not my fortay. Which makes me all that more impressed with your major and your blog.
Not to mention this tapioca looks delicious!
6. Jacqui MacKenzie | April 14, 2011 at 2:53 pm
I had the same problem when I was in school — I knew I wanted to write and it seemed like the only answer was a journalism major, though I didn’t want to write the news. I ended up in Creative Writing and my favorite class was Creative Nonfiction! Kudos for figuring it out so early on — I know many people, including myself, who were still clueless even after graduation.
7. Melissa Daams | April 14, 2011 at 3:09 pm
thinking back i always wanted my own business – like a little art gallery with a cafe on the side. i majored in business, but i wasn’t interested at all in all that corporate – highly competitive stuff. i switched pretty quickly to art/english and i loved it. sometimes we can be good and many things – i still have a strong business sense, i just didn’t need to major in that area – and i’m glad i went in another direction – it made all the difference for me :)
the tapioca looks divine – thanks for sharing it.
coming to Europe huh? where will u study? I’m in the Netherlands. i gotta tell ya – the chocolate here is the best! well, no not Dutch chocolate per se – but Belgian chocolate – oh yum!
8. Elissa | April 14, 2011 at 4:53 pm
Melissa – I’ll be studying in the Netherlands, but I plan to travel all over Europe throughout the fall! I’ll definitely be blogging more about this when I get closer to next semester :)
9. D | April 14, 2011 at 3:10 pm
Every time I see you’ve updated with a new entry, I feel a little thrill of joy! I love the way you write, so it’s definitely awesome that you’re going down that path now. This is actually my first year of university right now as well, so I find that a lot of the stuff you post about, I can definitely relate to. I’ve been in the academic advisor’s office a couple times over the last few weeks myself, trying to figure things out. And at this point, I might end up minoring in English as well :)
Cheers, & looking forward to hearing more from you ~
10. itsthecookiemonster | April 14, 2011 at 3:25 pm
i went through the exact same thing, i always knew i wanted to be something in business, well at least i THOUGHT i knew. then university started (im almost done my first year!) and i thought, hm, business isn’t really for me. actually i didn’t even have any good reasons in the first place, my mom wanted me to be in business so i didn’t even give that a second thought
but its all changed now. now im gonna study nutritional sciences :) i know thats where my heart lies, in food. haha
im so jealous to hear that youre going to study in europe! its always been my dream to go there! but i don’t want to go there on a vacation. don’t wanna go as a visitor, i wanna go there as a future resident yenno?
sorry i dont write as eloquently as u do lol, reading this comment was probably a pain! :P
11. Andi H. | April 14, 2011 at 3:27 pm
Don’t stress out about your major too much. Yeah, you don’t want to waste your time and money on the wrong thing but you never know what opportunities will come your way after graduation. But at least you know what you’re passionate in and are willing to pursue it. I just graduated with my masters in education and I’m still unsure what I want to do in life but I know I LOVE two things: dance and food. Some people find that their current job that they love has no relation to their degree. Also, you can always go back later and get another degree!
On a separate note, the pudding looks amazing.
12. Andi H. | April 14, 2011 at 3:28 pm
Oh and you’ll be an hour away from me for BlogHer Food. Unfortunately, I’ll be in Jekyll that weekend. I hope you will enjoy your stay in Atlanta/Georgia. Hopefully it’s not your first or last!
13. Darilyn | April 14, 2011 at 3:56 pm
My favorite post I’ve read from you. I’m so glad you’ve figured it out. You are gifted, don’t ever forget that.
14. paddle attachment | April 14, 2011 at 5:17 pm
Great post! I read every written-by-a-writing-major word of it, with joy.
15. Allison | April 14, 2011 at 6:16 pm
You are such a talented writer. I don’t think you could go wrong no matter major you graduate with. I love reading about your adventures through college.
Oh yeah and this tapioca looks amazing. No joke but I was actually eating some store bought tapioca as I read this and I couldn’t finish it because yours looked so much better. I absolutely must try this.
16. Sophie | April 14, 2011 at 6:33 pm
I was wondering how long it would take you to figure that out! Glad you’re on the path you’re meant to be on
17. bell | April 14, 2011 at 7:17 pm
A beautiful, inspiring post as always. It’s so great that you have the courage to change your major and follow your instinct. I know that you’ll flourish in whatever you choose to pursue. You’ve got a brilliant and exciting road ahead, what with your new major and your opportunity to finally meet your friends, face to face. It’s a huge achievement to be invited to speak at BlogHer. Congratulations! I’ve never tasted tapioca before, I look forward to trying this recipe – Thanks!
18. Marta | April 14, 2011 at 7:18 pm
Congratulations on the writing, this one’s a must, Elissa. I’d love a bite… I am a fan cheering you, always, and I take my hat off to your courage to walk in a new direction :)
19. Julie | April 14, 2011 at 7:20 pm
Good for you for making the change at the right moment and for being true to yourself. I think you’ll always be glad you did this.
20. iscribbler | April 14, 2011 at 8:25 pm
I’m glad that you were able to make such a decision and that you were able to do it while in college. :) I am still trying to find my way and it’s been years since my Masters! This path seems perfect for you and it’s wonderful to see someone take a hold of their future!
21. jessncanfield | April 14, 2011 at 10:21 pm
Congrats on changing your major!! The tapioca looks amazing! I am on a hunt to find the book today and bake something from it soon! Gorgeous pictures as always too!
22. Sarah | April 14, 2011 at 10:25 pm
I know how scary it can be to change your career trajectory after you’ve thought for a long time you knew what you wanted to be (I’m beginning to doubt that I want to be in the field I’m getting a PhD in!). It’s better early than later (and for you it’s definitely still early) plus you are so, so talented that I know you will be a great writer in whatever aspect of it you choose. Best of luck and enjoy the summer!
23. Laura | April 14, 2011 at 11:43 pm
Congratulations on BlogHer and on changing your major! Making a big change can be scary, but you’re clearly ready to handle whatever comes.
24. BecxL | April 14, 2011 at 11:58 pm
I know where you’re coming from. I turn nineteen this year too, and am enrolled in a prestigious journalism course I couldn’t be less interested in, despite being so certain this was my destiny for eleven years. I definitely love creative writing more than reporting hard facts and things that don’t allow me to think out of the box. Kudos to you for making the brave switch! Also, awesome pictures as always :)
25. Katy | April 15, 2011 at 12:08 am
Figuring out what you want can be scary. You just have to trust that it will all work out in the end. :)
And I’m incredibly jealous that you’re studying abroad. I won’t be able to, and it makes me a little sad. You’ll have such a great experience! :)
26. Kocinera | April 15, 2011 at 12:47 am
Congrats on changing your major!! I changed mine last semester to Spanish, after three semesters of coursework towards Business Administration, so I can commiserate with your struggle. The whole process of weeding out the credits and making everything line up is such a headache, but, as I’m sure you know, it feels so good to get it done. I can definitely see how writing would be even more suited to you than journalism, since you’re such a great writer to begin with. Enjoy your new and improved major!!
27. thejellicoeroad | April 15, 2011 at 3:55 am
My best friend introduced me to your food blog, and I just wanted to let you know how much I’ve enjoyed your posts. You have such a wonderful way with words, and I think writing is your niche. It is incredibly daunting and terrifying trying to figure out what you want out of life, and what genuinely makes you happy and passionate, and no doubt changing direction makes the process that much scarier, but at least you’ll be doing something that you know you love. I hope that I’ll be able to find that something someday.
28. Marion | April 15, 2011 at 7:22 am
I do have to congratulate you. I have managed to reach the graduation of my second BA degree in theater and realized only now that dealing with food is the thing I really want to dedicate my life to. So, you were actually quite fast and I do keep my fingers crossed for your success. :)
29. Brian @ A Thought For Food | April 15, 2011 at 1:33 pm
It pains me that I have yet to make something from this wonderful book, which I have had for a little over a week. That’s going to change though. And this is going to be my first recipe that I tackle.
30. Holly | April 15, 2011 at 1:56 pm
I think it’s great that you didn’t shy away from changing your major. The wonderful (and sometimes very stressful) part of majoring in the liberal arts is how it doesn’t prepare you for any specific career. I wouldn’t worry too much about what your official major is. It really doesn’t matter in the long run- just take classes that engage you and will teach you skills that make you hireable. With the early exposure through your blog and excellent writing ability, you won’t have any problems getting where you want to go.
It’s amazing how one odd job or inspiring experience can change your entire path. I graduated from UW-Seattle (familiar?) last June as a History major and took my first job a few months later at a nonprofit focusing on rural and underserved healthcare. I knew nothing about medicine or healthcare issues, but I made it work and am now thinking about going back for premed and medical school. Go figure.
31. Warm Vanilla Sugar | April 15, 2011 at 2:40 pm
This looks wonderful! Tapioca reminds me of my Grandma :)
32. Shaina | April 15, 2011 at 2:48 pm
I’m usually just a lurker here, but I figured I’d put in my two cents considering I was in your shoes just this last summer. I went through the first year of my school’s journalism program last year. I thought I wanted to be a journalist after working three years on my high school newspaper and fought to get in to the journalism school at my university, but I realized that the tiny knot of dread I had in my stomach every time I’d start a new class or get a new assignment did not bode well for doing journalism as a career. I switched to psychology this year, and I totally understand what you mean about swelling with joy – I absolutely adore my new major and truly feel like I’m doing what’s right for me now.
Keep up the great writing (and baking!), and good luck!
33. ValerieF (love through the stomach...) | April 15, 2011 at 7:17 pm
I usually just lurk here, but figured I’d chime in as well. I actually finished journalism school and never worked in journalism. Hard news wasn’t for me either. I didn’t figure that out until my senior year, so good for you deciding that so soon. I read in the comments that you’ll be studying in the Netherlands. What program will you be doing during your semester here? (I actually live in Amsterdam.) While you’re there, just remember, true good Dutch food is actually Indonesian!
34. hannah@bake five | April 16, 2011 at 12:55 am
it is pretty frightening to know what u want to do smack in the middle of university, that it is totally different. Good for u though! At least u found that out soon enough! Better late than never, they say. (:
35. SeattleDee | April 16, 2011 at 1:41 am
A lovely post, and as usual your story and the food intertwine in a delicious way. Two thumbs up on letting your heart talk to your head regarding course work and future plans.
36. Jess | April 16, 2011 at 11:35 am
You’re not alone. I came into college as an English major, since I loved books, but I have always been incredibly passionate about languages, in particular Spanish. Even though I struggled with it, I switched over to that major and fall more in love every day I go to class. I’m still unsure of my career path however, and you know what? It’s okay. You can be a collection of things and just as you want to create your own major, you can do that with your career. Interests run the gammet (for me from cooking, nutrition to languages) and they oftentimes seem unconnected but don’t be scared to explore. You never know where you will end up. I know how scary it is though…I too have walked out of advisor meetings dazed and confused (all the while just wanted to get back into the kitchen to feel the familiar touch of flour, sounds of saute pans and heat warming up the kitchen and my heart). But it is all worth it, as I have discovered and you just need to be open. That’s one of the most difficult things – as I continue to learn-, but just try to make a pact with yourself. You can do it. I know you can. Remember, one life.
I admire your bravery and appreciate your posts. Thank you for your beautiful photos, sharing and recipies.
37. Sharlene | April 16, 2011 at 1:12 pm
Your life sounds hectic but wonderfully exciting with every post. Where will you be studying abroad? Europe is amazing to spark creativity as is a delicious dessert like this one. Beautiful.
38. Ashley | April 16, 2011 at 4:45 pm
I’ve been meaning to comment for a while but haven’t – I’m constantly impressed not only by your great food photography + recipes but your writing is really refreshing, relatable, personal and interesting. Keep up your great work!
39. Amaranthian | April 16, 2011 at 5:44 pm
I’ve never had tapioca before. This seems like a good place to start. Also because I heart Heidi Swanson. :)
A semester in Europe? So jealous.
40. Pudding Pie Lane | April 17, 2011 at 12:06 pm
Hi Elissa,
I just wanted to say brave choice in changing majors. I’m quite jealous because in America you get to choose a major and a minor, but in Cambridge Uni, I have no choice other than pure Economics. And I didn’t even have any options in my course until my second year. But I’m glad you choose writing, you are indeed very good at it and you have a flair for it. Have you ever thought about a food column? Or travelling for food writing? That would be a good read.
Anyway, sorry about the waffle, but also congrats for the BlogHer Food panel! That sounds amazing, and great that it involves so many young people and their food blogs, gives us a little push to keep blogging :)
Beautiful photos as always!
Xinmei
41. kate | April 17, 2011 at 1:44 pm
I was an engineering major and hated everything about economics. Then I went and got a job and found that finance and building client relationships was the only thing I liked about my job. Now I’m starting my own company unrelated entirely to engineering or finance and I’m loving every second. Life has so many twists and turns and it’s scary and fun and fantastic in its chaos. Jump in head first and you’ll figure it out as you go.
Oh yeah, and I adore tapioca. I’m stoked for this recipe :)
42. Cousin Sharon | April 17, 2011 at 7:55 pm
Tapioca looks phenomenal. It’s one of my favorite desserts. Love the creamy but dense texture. So glad that you are changing your major to something that suits you better. And glad that you realized before you were too far in to turn back. Enjoy Europe, there are wonderful foods and experiences around every corner. Be sure to keep a journal. Who knows, maybe you can write about your travels. A travel blog with an emphasis on food. Nobody could do a better job than you!
43. April | April 18, 2011 at 2:23 am
Congratulations on your decision! I just got accepted into a great college and plan to study Journalism…with the goal of being a travel journalist! Maybe one day, our paths will cross! :-) My prayers and best wishes are with you! ~April~
44. Tori Greaves | April 18, 2011 at 7:31 pm
Reading your blog and watching your life unfold is somewhat of a novel itself. The way you write so passionately and purposefully made it only natural that you would change your major to writing – and begin to follow the creative writing path. It’s wonderful and it’s real. I find it quite inspirational, and I can’t wait to see what discoveries you will make next!
45. Elaine | April 19, 2011 at 12:40 am
There’s a lot of different kinds of journalism and writing, and I speak as a working journalist who is okay with hard news but even better with softer stuff. Try everything you can out now and find what fits — these four years are your time to sample a lot of different things. It’s a tough time to be getting into journalism so if you’re going to be there you should love it. With your blog experience you already have one of the most important things going for a future writing career — computer knowledge and information are the ways of the future. Best of luck!
46. Postcards-tome | April 19, 2011 at 5:21 am
It looks wonderful. I’m a huge fan of yours, and you inspire me with the way your words manage to flow so naturally. Please visit if you have the time :)
47. Helene | April 19, 2011 at 3:58 pm
You will have time along the way to even make another change. Take your time. You write beautifully!
48. Geni - Sweet and Crumby | April 19, 2011 at 6:28 pm
There will be lots of readers standing in line to purchase your first book. Keep up the great work and am so happy for you that you had the courage to go with what feels right. The tapioca looks like the most amazing jar of comfort.
49. Maris (In Good Taste) | April 21, 2011 at 9:15 pm
This jar of tapioca looks delicious! Congratulations on following your heart
50. Carly | April 22, 2011 at 11:56 am
I really love this blog, and I’ve been reading it for ages! :)
I’m going to be in university next year – scary! – and I know I’m going to feel spoiled by all the expensive food and kitchen space I had in high school. (I don’t think my campus even has an oven…)
51. Cookie | April 22, 2011 at 12:12 pm
Your heart will always lead you back to your authentic self. The cookbook arriving at the precise time it did was no mistake. Your authentic self was calling you home, which is always where you will find your passions; food and writing. I know you will discover more on your journey of living your passions, but never underestimate the power of your heart and how it always leads you back to your authentic Self.
From all I’ve read through your beautiful writing, you are very good at listening to your heart and then following it. I know you will carve a beautiful and unique path with your love of food, writing, and travel. And, I look forward to seeing it all blossom through your blog!
52. gia | April 22, 2011 at 4:53 pm
congrats!!!
I have been following for a couple years now and it made me smile so much when I read this.
I am so happy for you and how you have figured out what it is that you want :)
Keep up all the fantastic work and continue to pursue your dreams!