Makes 6 servings
1/2 c tapioca pearls
1-1/2 c milk
1-1/2 c heavy cream
1 fresh vanilla bean
1/2 c sugar
pinch salt
2 egg yolks
Soak the pearls in water overnight, covered well with water. Drain the water off. Heat the milk, cream, vanilla bean (split and scraped), and tapioca to a slow simmer in a heavy pot and cook for 1 hour, stirring often. Add the sugar and salt. Bring to a simmer being careful not to let the tapioca stick to the bottom of the pan.
Put the yolks into a bowl and stir in some of the tapioca mixture to equalize the temperature. Add to the pan while stirring. Pour into a bowl and cool.