One of the best things I enjoy about innkeeping is finding a good basic recipe that has the capability to "accept inspiration." Many of us are taught to follow recipes to the letter and teaspoonful. That is, perhaps, true--although I find so much joy in adapting basic recipes into expressions of my cooking creativity!
Example: We've all made pancakes, next blueberry or apple pancakes once we learned to flip basic ones correctly. Don't stop there, though! How about spices??!! Apple pies have cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of clove--why not apple PANCAKES??!! Lemon and blueberry have a natural affinity for each other (nothing too serious I have heard), why not zest some lemon in your blueberry pancakes?!
Pasta dishes, breakfast pies, sauces, cookies--make them all YOU. Maybe it's your family heritage (okay, we Germans understand that bacon drippings can't go in Everything!), or your favorite fruit, or some regional new food you tried on vacation and enjoyed. Add it to your favorite dish.
So, find recipes, work with them, and you'll have a personalized meal on your next table! Happy Cooking and next time you are at the inn, I'll tell you about my Jambalaya Omelets!!
Keith
4 comments:
great ideas. I saw your blog via seaching for B&B blogs. My husband and I are about to make a huge move to Flordia to purchase a B&B and can't wait. In two months. Been a life long dream of mine. I've enjoyed reading your blog and your inspriations and tips.
Hi, Tiffany.
I am excited for you and your husband with the move and the B&B adventure soon ahead! If I may offer some advice (from my experience), here are three that come to mind:
1). Be unique. Don't follow what everyone else is doing. Interject you and your hubbie's personalities creatively throughout the B&B. This way, you will be surrounded by your passion and enthusiasm--your guests will be sense this!
2). Pace yourself. You probably have many good ideas on what you'd like to do. Little by little it will happen. Get the feel of the business first. You'll know when the next step is ready.
3). Be gentle with yourself and your husband. Innkeeping can be all consuming. Work hard, have fun, take time to inhale/exhale. Innkeeping is a learning process. If you make mistakes, chalk them up to experience; it'll make you stronger.
Thanks for reading the Inn at Long Lake BLOG. I will continue the tips for sure!!
From Western Maine:
Keith
Innkeeper-Chef, Inn at Long Lake
Naples, Maine
Hi Keith -
My boyfriend (Jeff) and I are coming for a visit this Friday-Sunday. We picked your B&B after seeing your blog and reading about the wonderful breakfasts you were describing! The Sweet Potato-Pecan Muffins sounded particularly tasty...
We can't wait for the trip!
All the best
Lindsay
Hey, thanks Lindsay. I will try to have the Sweet Potato-Pecan Muffins this weekend. Understand I am at the mercy of Chef's Whim du Jour (hehe).
Looking forward to you and Jeff coming to the inn this weekend.
Thanks for reading and posting!
Keith
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