Serendipity, Tea and Me
“I don’t drink coffee, I take tea my dear.” ~Sting
If I told you about all of my adventures in tea I could absolutely write my own book…maybe two. I’ve already given you a little history in my blog entitled “The Mysteries of Tea.” How I just ‘happened’ to buy my first home a block away from a tearoom. My friend Bonnie, proprietor of “The Tale of Two Sisters” Tearoom and Gift Shoppe, would call this a “Godsciedence” and I’d have to agree with her. Serendipity!
I was a tearoom ‘groupie’ at the tearoom before I became an employee. I remember when we were moving into our first home we only had a week to get the house in order before we were due to go to Boston on a business trip. I remember cleaning, unpacking and organizing until I actually gave myself a fever and ended up horizontal on our couch. Time for a break! Jeff and I had shared a cup of tea at the tearoom the morning we closed on the house and I decided this was the time to return. I wanted tea and lunch made by someone other than myself.
So I walked on over and ordered a refreshing, tall glass of iced “Earl Blue” (Earl Grey+lavender blossoms)…and a fresh spinach salad with chicken. Bonnie sat with me while I ate my lunch and I remember thinking how fortunate I was to have such a lovely tearoom so close, and that my new neighbors were so friendly 🙂
Unfortunately, for all of us who frequented the tearoom, and especially for those of us who were employed there, after ten wonderful years, the tearoom has closed it’s doors. But, on the bright side, Bonnie wrote a cookbook sharing all of her yummy recipes. I was so honored when I discovered that she included some of my recipes in her book. The memories of my days at the tearoom will live in my heart forever.
The soup recipes alone make this book worth it’s weight in gold, but I’d like to share my all time favorite quiche recipe with you. I’ve made this quiche so many times that I no longer need to reference the cookbook. It’s the same with scones…I could make them in my sleep. I’m sure this recipe will become a favorite of yours as well!
Tale of Two Sisters Crustless Quiche
6 beaten eggs
3 egg whites
3/4 cup Bisquick
1 cup heavy cream
4 oz. softened cream cheese
1 cup crumbled Feta cheese
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
black olives, sundried tomatoes, herbs (optional)
Line a deep quiche pan with parchment paper and spray with cooking spray. Place the feta and cheddar cheese in the bottom of the pan. sprinkle with some olives, sundried tomatoes and herbs. Beat eggs and egg whites in a table top mixer until foamy. Add 1 cup heavy cream and cream cheese. Mix well. Add 3/4 cup Bisquick, mix well. Add salt and pepper, mix well. Pour egg mixture over cheeses and bake in a 375 degree oven until puffed and brown.
The Shakopee newspaper wrote an article bout this lovely cook book. If you’re interested in ordering one…
The cookbooks can be ordered by e-mailing… The cost of each cookbook is $11.99.
(unfortunately this book was a limited edition and is now out of print.)
~Melissa
Melissa,
I didn’t write an article about Bonnie’s cookbook, but I did write about the tea room a couple of years ago in the Rochester Post Bulletin. I was to do an apron presentation and we never got to that as I knew the doors were soon to be closing. Love to have a cookbook to add to my collection….
Thanks…Friend…
Sandy
I will definitely let Bonnie know 🙂
Hey, Melissa!
Thanks for your post. I learned about this cookbook last night from the Shakopee article and have e-mailed Bonnie twice at the same e-mail address as you’ve listed in your post but to no avail: I keep getting delivery failure messages. Has Bonnie changed her e-mail address? I’d love to buy the cookbook, so if you could supply another e-mail address or a phone number, that would be great.
Thanks so much.
Cheryl
Hi Cheryl,
Thank you SO much for this question. I will post the new email address as soon as I’m done writing this response. Just go into the same blog entry you were reading.
Best,
Melissa
Melissa,
You are The Woman! Thank you so much for your super-quick response! I’ve e-mailed Bonnie at the new e-mail address you provided and await her response with bated breath…
I’m so glad I found your post!
Cheryl
Cheryl,
You are most welcome! You are going to love this cook book! 🙂
~Melissa
Hello, I am simply enthralled with this house. The history of the tea businesses there and of course the two sisters. Where could I get more information on the above as well as a cookbook lead? I’m wondering how many tea room businesses have occupied this house and what their names were? Also, if there was good emotions/ love in the house etc… the “mood” of it. i just want a way to know as much as i can about it. I am moving to Red Wing and would love to explore it. Thanks for any information you could give me. Sincerely, Jacqueline Baxter
I would be happy to answer any of your questions regarding the house and the proprietors Jackie. Thanks so much for commenting.
Best,
Melissa
Is it possible to still get a copy of the Sisters cookbook? If not, does anyone have the recipe for the chicken salad? Thank You
Hi Teresa!
The book is out of print, but I can ask Bonnie if she might have one she’d be willing to part with. In the mean time…I’ll share that recipe with you! It’s SO simple. Combine a few cooked, chilled, boneless skinless chicken breasts (chopped) with real mayonnaise and Major Grey’s mango chutney (to taste)…just add the mayo and chutney gradually until it tastes good to you.
We served it on “Amish Friendship” bread (cinnamon bread) but it’s also wonderful on zucchini bread and cranberry bread! I’ve made it all three ways, and the quick breads are a little less of a hassle than the Amish bread.
We topped the sammy with sliced almonds and a sprinkle of paprika 😉
Enjoy!
Melissa
I do have a very, very, few cookbooks available. If there is a super, duper need for more, I think I can get some reprinted. I would need to know of the interest.
With regard to the house. IT IS FOR SALE AS WE SPEAK as a single family dwelling (needs some work for that to work), a duplex, or a business. I would love to show you the property when you are in Red Wing. It is a “historically significant home”. I would be glad to tell you the story of the house. The tearoom was the only one on the property, but it was definitely loved by those who entered its doors. My husband and I lived in the house for 5-6 years. We loved it too. Let me know at his email address when I can meet you.
Thanks so much for commenting Bon! I’ve gotten 3 requests for books. One of these ladies actually contacted you (I believe.) Wouldn’t it be fun to get such a high demand for the book that you’d have to do a second edition? 😉
I hope you find someone to buy the home very soon. It’s a gorgeous place.
xoxo
oops…4 requests 🙂
I’d love a copy or two if you have them or if you’re going to put out a second edition.
Thank you,
cindy von dem Bussche
Hi Cindy! I’ll let Bon know 😉
I would also like a copy of this cookbook. Thank you kindly.
Please and thank you.
I would also cherish a copy of Bonnie’s cookbook 🙂
I would very much like to purchase a copy if it is available. Should there be another printing, I would gladly purchase five. Many thanks.
Gene Medling
I’m not that much of a online reader to be honest but
your sites really nice, keep it up! I’ll go ahead and bookmark your site to come back later on. Many thanks
thanks so much for the compliment, and for visiting! 🙂
I would love to buy a copy
I can’t wait to make this, Melissa! I love quiche but unfortunately the guys at home have some sensitivity to eggs. With this crustless recipe, I can easily make a small portion for myself.
I did not realize the two sisters came up with a cookbook as I was away from Minnesota most of the 10 years they were open. Would love to have a copy of their cookbook.
Hi Biren! this recipe is a keeper. Use whatever cheeses you like…add veggies or smoked salmon…the possibilities are endless! I may have an extra copy of the cookbook, and if I do I’ll give it to you when we meet for tea 🙂 xoxo
I would LOVE to purchase the cookbook…and if it is reprinted, several copies for friends who will love it as well…thanks for the help! The quiche recipe looks amazing!! can’t wait to try it,,,
thanks for the mention my friend! 🙂 xoxo
Would also love to purchase a cook book!!!
I made the quiche tonight and it was awesome so now need the rest of the recipes!!! :):)
Especially since you mentioned the soups!! They are my favorite!
Hi there, Rena! the cookbook is no longer available. I am so happy you like the quiche recipe! 🙂 It’s definitely one of my favorites too. The good news is that I have made most of these recipes many times (especially the soups!) Please let me know what soups are your favorite and I could direct you to the recipe on my blog. Thanks so much for visiting! XO
I would also love to purchase a book. Maybe she can run some more copies and sell them by request! Thanks…Laura
I would like to purchase a copy of the cookbook if you still have any. Please email me at [email protected] Thank you! ~Coleen
No cookbooks yet 🙂 Thanks for the interest, Coleen!
Hello! I just discovered your blog and love it!!! I would love to have a copy of this charming cookbook. Melissa, should I email Bonnie or just wait for a response from you? Thank you so much!
Hello, Lisa, and welcome to my blog! So happy you’re enjoying it. I’m sorry, but Bonnie’s book has been out of print for quite some time. It was a limited edition. Thanks for the interest and for stopping by. 🙂