SCONE Tea Room

06/05/2026

"Happiness, not in another place but this place...not for another hour, but this hour." - Walt Whitman

06/04/2026

"Having a wonder-tea-ful afternoon with my little ones"

06/01/2026

Getting ready for the new menu which includes millionaire's shortbread. I noticed the shortbread layer wasn't pressed evenly after cutting them, but they are so good!

05/31/2026

“Tea time is a chance to slow down, pull back and appreciate our surroundings.” - Letitia Baldrige

05/28/2026

Have you visited Found + Reclaimed in Algona, Iowa? I love that place. The main floor and basement sell loads of great handmade, new, and vintage pieces. I just found this James Sadler "The Old Mill" sugar and creamer set. They are the perfect size and will be a great addition to the tea room collection!

05/28/2026

Our friendship is like a cup of tea...a special blend of you and me!

05/27/2026

05/26/2026

Although the Midwest weather only gives us a short window in the spring and the fall to pleasantly sit outside, guests are welcome to have afternoon tea on the porch. Please mention this when making reservations if you are interested.

05/26/2026

1908 Recipe for Water Pie

While water pies have made the rounds on the internet as a Depression-era food, they were around long before the 1930s. In the decades leading up to the Great Depression, there was a series of smaller depressions, so there was plenty of opportunity for people to feel the need to make water pie.

This is surprisingly good with a texture like the filling of a pecan pie. Because the main ingredients are water and sugar, whatever flavorings you use are really important. The nutmeg and vanilla I use here are delicious, but the sky's the limit. You could use citrus, flower waters, other spices, or basically anything that sounds good to you. Be sure to let the pie cool completely in order for it to set up to its soft custard-like texture.

Find a link to the recipe and episode here in the comments.

05/25/2026

I love a good flea market find! I found these pretty cup and saucers today for a great price. They are by Wood & Sons made in England, approximately 1917+ - about the same time as the tea room was built. The next time you're in the tea room, you may find these beauties at your table!