One of my best friends lives over towards the West Coast of Florida and I am in the Central East part so we try to meet in the middle for an adventure lunch once a month. This month we decided to try the Stanford Inn just south of Lakeland in the historic town of Bartow. What a delight! Those of you that loved the 1991 film "My Girl" may recognize the Inn as the home of Dan Aykroyd and Jamie Lee Curtis in that movie. I remember thinking "I want to live in that house!" Now I can for a lot less money! The Owners, Tony and Becky, are as interesting and welcoming as their Inn and we immediately felt right at home and needed a food and tea fix. We sure indulged ourselves by ordering Cora's Afternoon Tea as it came with lots of food and endless pots of tea (served either hot or chilled). I especially liked the Orange and Spice Tea while my friend liked the house Strawberry Orange blend. We also enjoyed the Serene Green. Stephanie was our Server and told us we could try them all if we wished. That was refreshing in today's world! Becky also shared one of her easy but most popular recipes with us. Her advice was don't let anyone see you make it so they think you spent a long time in preparing it:
Eggstrodianary Eggs in a Nest
Grease a large muffin pan and fill with chopped frest spinach leaves.
Grease a large muffin pan and fill with chopped frest spinach leaves.
Break an egg over spinach.
Top with a few spoonfuls of salsa.
Top with shredded cheese.
Bake at 350 degrees for 18 minutes.
If you are ever in the Central part of Florida from the West Coast to the East Coast you must go there for Tea and a visit. Call ahead for reservations as they were packed when we were there. 863-533-2393. Better yet, make it a long weekend and stay there as the rooms are beautiful with private baths. It is located at 555 East Stanford Street, Bartow, FL 33830 so just google map it from where ever you are. We are definitely putting it on our "Must-Do-Again," list! Good Grief, Ettie! When did we get those chins???
