Asheville – Last year, as the Asheville Bed & Breakfast Association (ABBA) innkeepers discussed their strategic plan, a delicious idea simmered.
Innkeepers explored what prompted their bed and breakfast guests to book a return visit. They took a look at what distinguished their inns from beloved area hotels or short-term rentals offered by strangers. Unanimously, the answer came back: BREAKFAST.
An intrepid group of innkeepers volunteered to gather, sort and edit recipes from the inns. New photography was shot. A cookbook was born. Morning in the Mountains offers a taste of success—with 15 inns contributing to the project.
The cookbook premiered in Asheville at The Reynolds Mansion Bed & Breakfast Inn as innkeepers, surrounded by media and friends, toasted, cheered and signed books along with business supporters from the community.
Epicurean Note: I was able to sample dishes from each inn, as they’re published in the cookbook, at the premier. Every single one was beautiful to look at and delicious! Makes me want to spend the night at one (or all) of these inns just so I can have breakfast!
The book focuses on the hallmark two and three course breakfasts served at the inns. In addition, recipes nod to how innkeepers use appetizers, sweet bites and cookies to satisfy guest cravings in the afternoon and evening hours.
Morning In The Mountains is organized by chapters:
- Fruit: Seasonal fruit courses versatile enough to serve as breakfast starters or salads, hors d’oeuvres and light meal endings
- Savory: Quiche, overnight stratas, baked egg ramekins, casseroles, shrimp and grits and more
- On the Side: Side dishes, sauces, conserves, condiments and bite-size appetizers
- Baked & Griddled: Inventive quick breads, baked French toast, pancakes and crispy waffles
- Sweet: Homemade cookies to eat after a hike, a sweet bite left on a guest pillow, an elegant torte following a morning meal
Cost includes shipping and handling: $25. Order at https://www.ashevillebba.com/cookbook.
The book will be on sale at the Asheville Visitor Center Gift Shop and Malaprop’s Bookstore/Café. Innkeepers will be calling upon other Asheville shops and bookstores in the coming days. (Keep an eye on the website for updates)
The People Behind Morning in the Mountains:
15 inns contributed to the book. Meet them: https://www.ashevillebba.com/our-inns
Additional support came from Asheville businesses tapped by the Association for help: Susan McBride (designer), Debby Maugans (editor), Erin Adams (photographer).
Landscape photography of Asheville used on the cover and inside the book were donated by Mark File of RomanticAsheville.com.
The Asheville Bed & Breakfast Association is a group of 15 unique inns located in Asheville, NC and surrounding areas. Their mission is to educate guests on the value and service offered by high-quality member inns across a variety of price points and amenities. All inns must pass review by peer innkeepers on a regular basis to remain in the Association. ABBA innkeepers serve the city’s best breakfast daily in 15 different places. https://www.ashevillebba.com/
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