The Breakfast Page

Have you ever daydreamed of someday running a bed and breakfast? Now is your chance! And the wonderful part is, you can play host at your private home B&B just a few days a year.

This section is all about breakfast. Whether your preference is to set out a bowl of muffins and a pot of coffee, or whip up an artichoke fritatta with fresh fruit on the side for your guests, we’ve got you covered with easy and delicious recipes.bbtablehor_istock_000000645985xsmall

But first, a few breakfast tips. Staying in the private home of a Casa Casa member is like staying in a bed and breakfast.  As a Casa Casa member, you may host travelers just one night per year, or several nights, depending on how often you want to host. When you host, it’s important you make that extra effort to help your traveling guests feel special and comfortable during their stay with you–just as you expect when you travel as a member of Casa Casa. We’ve provided a page full of hospitality tips to help you make your home  a haven for overnight guests.

Here are a few specific breakfast tips for Casa Casa hosts:

  • Plan ahead. When you’ve got guests coming, decide in advance whether you will provide them a continental breakfast or full breakfast. You can inquire which type of breakfast your guests prefer, as their plans may dictate which is appropriate or preferable. For example, if your guests will be leaving at 7am to go to the zoo, put out a simple continental breakfast that they can help themselves to or even take with them.  Muffins or bagels with cream cheese and some fruit makes a great continental breakfast. Try to be somewhat flexible in terms of when breakfast is served; some travelers want to be up at with the roosters, while others like to sleep in.
  • Ask ahead about dietary preferences. Vegetarians won’t eat bacon, and probably don’t care for the smell of it sizzling, either. Also, you will probably want to know in advance if your guest will break out in hives if they eat nuts.
  • Make ahead. Get the ingredients you will need for breakfast beforehand, and do as much prep as you can. For example, you could make scones or a quiche the day before.
  • Set a table. A few easy touches, like a vase of flowers from the garden or linen napkins, can turn a simple breakfast into an elegant and memorable meal.
  • Provide tea and coffee. Even if you don’t drink the stuff yourself, some folks can’t face the day without their morning cup of joe or green tea. Hint: some coffee drinkers are eternally grateful to be provided real cream instead of the powdered stuff. A selection of herbal teas is often appreciated as well.
  • Pull up a chair. The breakfast table is a perfect place to sit down and talk with your guests about local attractions, travel information, and your shared hobbies and interests. Enjoy your guests, and enjoy the wonderful breakfast you’ve just cooked up for them!

Breakfast Recipes

Cheddar Corn Pancakes, from Roadfood. The recipe for these tasty cakes are from Gail’s Station House of Ridgefield, Connecticut. They are sweet and savory and even more delicious when blanketed with warm maple syrup.

Perfect Popovers, from Gourmet Magazine. Serve these with real whipped cream and a fruity jam–your guests will be in popover heaven

Oatmeal Muffins with Currants, from Gourmet Magazine. So easy, pretty healthy and incredibly tasty.

Ginger Scones, La Brea Bakery. Candied ginger adds an unexpected deliciousness to basic cream scones. These are truly unforgettable.

Artichoke and Mushroom Frittata, from Bon Appétit. An easy, elegant and delicious frittata. Serve alongside fresh fruit and roasted potatoes for a full breakfast.

Cinnamon-Raisin French Toast, from Bon Appétit. A favorite recipe, this is easy to make (the bread can be soaked overnight!) and your guests will be awed.

Sweet-Potato Pancakes with Honey-Cinnamon Butter, from Cookie. Hosting a family with kids? These pancakes are a big hit at any age!

Oat and Dried Fruit Cereal with Honey and Yogurt, by Bon Appétit. Health-conscious guests? This Swiss staple known as Birchermüesli is a tasty, healthful breakfast.

COMING SOON: Your recipes! Got a recipe to share with the Casa Casa community? Email it to us and we’ll put it up, with credits to the chef of course.