Orange Blossom Tapioca Pudding

If you like tapioca pudding, you may want to try this recipe.  I created it this summer to enter in the Ghirardelli chocolate competition at the New York state fair.  Even though it didn't win an award, it did receive many favorable comments and, to be honest, it has become one of my favorite desserts.
                                      Orange Blossom Tapioca Pudding
                                                        3 Tbsp. Minute Tapioca
                                                     1 Extra large egg, separated
                                                          6 Tbsp. Sugar, divided
                                                       1 cup White chocolate chips
                                                               3 cups Whole milk
                                                             Zest from one orange
                                                                   1 tsp. Vanilla
                                                                 Whipped cream
Using a medium saucepan, pour in the milk, 3 Tbsp. sugar, Minute Tapioca, white chocolate chips, orange zest and well beaten egg yolk.  Let stand for 5 minutes.
Meanwhile, beat egg white and 3 Tbsp. sugar till stiff peaks form.  Set aside.
Cook pudding over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture comes to a full boil.  Remove from heat.
Stir in beaten egg white and vanilla.  Let cool, then refrigerate.
Serve with whipped cream; garnish as desired.

Last evening, my older daughter came down from Clifton Springs to take me to dinner, along with my younger daughter, Lisa, my grandson, Richie and my younger granddaughter, Julie.  We went to Comando's, an Italian restaurant that recently reopened, having been closed for many years.  It used to be a very good place to dine...unfortunately, the son who has taken it over, does not know the first thing about good food.  The sauce was tasteless...bleh!  I was very disappointed with the meal and will not be going back!  


However, it was an enjoyable evening with my family...a nice 71st birthday celebration!

My Birthday...9/22/11!

Today I'm 71!

As the saying goes, "If I'd known I was going to live this long, I would have taken better care of myself!"  But, I'm still here, despite my not "taking better care of myself!"  As to growing older, I think Betty White said it best..."You're still the same person inside!"  And it's true!  It's only when you look in the mirror that you're a little surprised at the mature woman staring back..."Who the hell is that!"

I awoke this morning to rain...now it has cleared, the sun is bright and a small plane just passed overhead.  So far, I've done nothing more than check emails and play a few Facebook games.  (I never would have guessed I'd be a computer "junkie" at this age, yet here I am "computing!")