Dairy and Gluten Free Tapioca Pudding with Caramel Spice Apples

I was in the mood for something creamy that screamed fall.  Since I can't have pumpkin I wasn't sure what could combine these two elements.  Then the idea struck... Fall is apple season and apples go so well with caramel and spice!  Now what to do to add that element of creaminess that I so desired... Tapioca pudding of course!  And that my friends is how Tapioca Pudding with Caramel Spice Apples was born.

Tapioca Pudding with Caramel Spice Apples

Dairy Free Quick Tapioca Pudding
(Adapted from the recipe on the box of Minute Tapioca)

3 tbs minute tapioca

1/2 cup sugar

1 large egg

1 13.5 oz of coconut milk

water to equal a total liquid volume of 2 1/2 cups

1 tsp vanilla extract

In a saucepan combine everything except the vanilla.

Allow to stand for 5 minutes.

Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly until it comes to a rolling boil (a boil which can not be stirred down).

Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla.

Allow to cool for 20 minutes.

Serve warm or chilled.

Caramel Spice Apples

4 medium apples

1/2 cup water

4 tbs dairy free buttery alternative

pinch cinnamon

pinch nutmeg

1/3 cup brown sugar, packed

2 tbs sugar (optional, depending on the sweetness of your apples)

Begin by peeling, coring and chopping the apples.

Combine the apples, water, buttery alternative, cinnamon, nutmeg and sugars in a saucepan.

Heat over medium heat adding more water if necessary until the apples begin to soften.

Continue cooking until the sauce reduces into a light caramel.
May be served warm or chilled.