BBAV Cookbook, 2011

The name “bed and breakfast” conjures up many different mental images and most are related to cozy little getaways, luxurious rooms, and smiling innkeepers. But the one overlying image that almost immediately comes to everyone's mind is the absolutely delicious food. If you have ever wanted to re-create some of the decadent dishes that you have tried at a B&B, you're in luck, because the Bed and Breakfast Association of Virginia has recently released a fantastic cookbook. From Apple Coffee Cake to Cheesy Potatoes, there are various recipes from each inn in the BBAV, instructing you on how to create desserts, main courses, holiday treats, and much, much more. Each inn is also featured on a page with a brief description about their establishment, so besides being a wonderful culinary treasure, the cookbook serves as a quick guide to Virginia bed and breakfasts and their surrounding areas. As the BBAV website states, “This is not just a cookbook, but a travel companion. Each B & B is unique. Virginia offers historic Colonial homes, country manors, Victorian homes, old train depots, and former plantations. This book will help you discover a Virginia Bed & Breakfast that is perfect for you.” One final aspect of this cookbook that makes it unique from all others is that many of the recipes are ones that are prepared in advance. Working at a B&B means that you must become an expert in time management, and preparing food ahead of time is often one way to do so. Thus, if you're throwing a huge holiday party and you don't have time to prepare food that day, check out our recipes and make them ahead of time! (And don't forget that this cookbook would make a wonderful Christmas gift!) By Tara Stoll