Mandarin Parfait With Candied Ginger

Why I Love This Recipe
from L.A. Times, 1/25/2006
Ingredients You'll Need
1/4 c sugar
3 T instant tapioca
2 1/4 c whole milk
1 egg, lightly beaten
1/4 t salt
1 vanilla bean
1 c sliced almonds
1 lb seedless mandarins
2 T minced candied ginger
Directions
1. Whisk together sugar, tapioca, milk, egg and salt in a saucepan, set aside for 5 minutes.
2. Heat tapioca mix to a rolling boil over medium heat, stirring frequently. Split vanilla bean and scrape the seeds into the mixture.
3. Remove tapioca from heat and pour into a bowl to chill. It will thicken as it cools. Refrigerate until set, at least 1 hour.
4. Heat oven to 350, spread almonds on ungreased jelly roll and shaking pan occasionally to prevent scorching, bake until fragrant and golden. Remove immediately and transfer to bowl, so they stop cooking.
5. Peel mandarins and carefully remove pith. Cut into 2-segment pieces, and halve pieces. Set aside.
6. Sprinkle ginger over chilled tapioca, and stir to mis.
7. Layer tapioca, mandarins and almonds into glass or bowl -- try for three layers. Chill for up to an hour before serving.