Signature Breakfast Recipes: The Heart of Inisfree Estate’s Morning Table

The Morning Magic Behind Our Michigan B&B Experience

There’s something magical about waking up at Inisfree Estate. As sunlight filters through the windows of our historic property, the aroma of freshly baked banana bread and sizzling egg soufflé fills the air. Our breakfast service has become one of the most cherished aspects of the Inisfree experience, with guests often lingering over second cups of coffee and “just one more” heavenly hot.

“The homemade breakfasts were delicious – we especially liked the heavenly hots!” shares Jessica, a recent guest who discovered why these delicate pancakes have become our most requested breakfast item.

Creating Memorable Breakfast Experiences

At Inisfree Estate, breakfast is more than just a meal – it’s a central part of the experience we create for our guests. Whether we’re serving an intimate table of two or a full house during a wedding weekend, our focus remains the same: creating dishes that are not only delicious but also visually appealing and served with care.

Some dishes can become dull over time, but every now and then, you find those special recipes that never lose their charm—no matter how often you make them.

As promised in our previous post about Einkorn flour, I’m excited to share a few of our signature breakfast recipes that have become staples at Inisfree Estate. Since I use Einkorn flour, even my husband, who has Celiac disease, can enjoy everything I prepare. Our farm-to-table offerings are made fresh daily, from scratch, to ensure the best possible flavor and quality.

“The food is amazing. The owners clearly are culinary masters and both the quality and uniqueness of each dish shine. Extra special when some of the ingredients in your breakfast are freshly grown on the property, like the lovely grape jelly, with grapes from the on-property vineyard, served with homemade biscuits,” notes Lori, capturing exactly what we strive for in our breakfast service.

Essential Tips for Baking with Einkorn Flour

Before diving into the recipes, a quick note about Einkorn flour, which we discussed in detail in our recent post about our journey with Celiac disease. When baking with Einkorn flour, some recipes benefit from increased baking powder. Einkorn has a weaker gluten structure, producing less natural lift on its own. The extra baking powder helps create the necessary air bubbles for a proper rise in your baked goods.

If you’re not using Einkorn flour, these recipes will still work beautifully with all-purpose flour, though you may need to adjust liquid slightly as Einkorn typically absorbs less moisture than modern wheat flours.

Heavenly Hots: Inisfree’s Most Requested Breakfast Treat

Prep Time: 20 mins
Servings: 8-10

These delicate, cloud-like pancakes have earned their heavenly name. They’re lighter than traditional pancakes with a subtle tang from the sour cream that makes them irresistible. We serve them with homemade crème fraîche and warm orange marmalade, creating a perfect balance of flavors that starts any day on a high note.

Ingredients:

• 4 eggs
• 16 oz sour cream (approx. 454g)
• ¼ cup sifted Einkorn flour (approx. 30g)
• ¼ cup potato starch (approx. 40g)
• 3 tbsp sugar
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt

Directions:

1. Add eggs, sour cream, flour, potato starch, sugar, baking soda, and salt to blender. Cover and blend for 30 seconds.
2. Stop blender and scrape down sides of the container. Blend again until smooth. Let set for 2-3 minutes.
3. Pour slightly less than ¼ cup batter into a 3-inch circle onto hot griddle. Cook over medium heat for about 2 minutes on each side.
4. Serve with homemade crème fraîche and warm orange marmalade

Homemade Crème Fraîche:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of heavy cream
• 1 Tablespoon of buttermilk

Directions:

After 24 hours, gently whisk together until it forms a custard-like consistency.

Add heavy cream and buttermilk to a bowl. Stir together and cover with cheesecloth. Let stand for at least 24 hours. Do not refrigerate.

Inisfree’s Signature Egg Soufflé

Prep Time: 20 Minutes
Cook Time: 35 Minutes
Total Time: 55 Minutes
Servings: 9-12

This hearty egg soufflé has become our go-to centerpiece for breakfast service. It’s substantial enough to satisfy hungry guests while being elegant enough for special occasions. The versatile recipe accommodates various dietary preferences and can be prepared the night before, making it perfect for busy hosting mornings.

“With all the dietary requirements of our very large group, they were all taken care of very well,” mentions Daniel, highlighting how we can easily adapt this recipe to accommodate various preferences.

Ingredients:

• 10 large eggs
• ½ cup Einkorn flour (approx. 60g)
• 1 tsp salt (approx. 6g)
• 1 tsp baking powder (approx. 4.8g)
• 2 cups cottage cheese (approx. 454g)
• 1 lb Monterey Jack cheese, grated (can reduce to taste) (approx. 454g)
• ½ cup butter, melted (can reduce to taste) (approx. 113g)
• 2 tbsp chopped onions (approx. 20g)
• 1 lb sausage, browned and crumbled (approx. 454g)
• 4 oz diced green chilies, optional (approx. 110g)

Directions:

1. Beat eggs until light and fluffy.
2. Add and blend thoroughly:
     • Einkorn flour
     • Salt
     • Baking powder
     • Cottage cheese
     • Grated Monterey Jack
     • Melted butter
     • Chopped onions
     • Browned sausage
     • Green chilies (if using)
3. Pour mixture into either:
     • One 9×13 oven-proof dish
     OR
     • Individual ramekins
4. Bake:
     • Temperature: 350°F
     • Time: Approximately 35 minutes
     • Uncovered
     Note: Baking time may vary depending on dish size
5. Check for doneness:
     • Center should be golden brown
     • Surface should be firm to the touch

Chef’s Tip

This soufflé can be assembled the night before and refrigerated. Simply add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold. For vegetarian guests, we often substitute sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and bell peppers for the sausage.

Tropical Date Banana Bread: Inisfree’s Morning Sweet Treat

Prep Time: 25 Minutes
Cook Time: 50-55 Minutes
Total Time: 75-80 Minutes
Servings: two loaves

This banana bread has become our signature morning sweet offering at Inisfree. The combination of dates, pecans, and bananas creates a tropical flavor profile that guests remember long after their visit. We often have slices waiting for early risers who need a little something before the full breakfast service begins.

“The food was restaurant quality, just as delicious as it was beautiful,” notes Nicole, and this banana bread certainly contributes to that reputation.

Ingredients:

• ¾ cup shortening (approx. 146g)
• 1 ½ cup packed brown sugar (approx. 330g)
• 4 large eggs
• 4 medium-size mashed ripe bananas (approx. 300g)
• 2 tsp vanilla extract (approx. 10g)
• 2 cups Einkorn flour (approx. 240g)
• 1 ½ tsp baking soda (approx. 7.2g)
• 1 tsp salt (approx. 6g)
• 1 cup chopped dates (approx. 150g)
• 1 cup chopped pecans (approx. 110g)
• 1 cup quick-cooking oats, uncooked (approx. 80g)

Directions:

1. Using a mixer at medium speed, beat shortening until fluffy.
2. Gradually add brown sugar and beat until well combined.
3. Add eggs one at a time, beating thoroughly after each addition.
4. In a separate bowl, combine:
     • Banana
     • Vanilla
     Set aside.
5. In another bowl, whisk together:
     • Einkorn flour
     • Baking soda
     • Salt
6. Alternately add flour mixture and banana mixture to shortening mixture:
     • Begin with flour mixture
     • Add in portions, mixing until just combined
     • End with flour mixture
7. Fold in:
     • Dates
     • Pecans
     • Oats
8. Divide batter between two 8½ x 4½ x 3-inch loaf pans, greased and floured.
9. Bake at 350°F for 50-55 minutes, or until centers are set.
10. Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.

Recipe Notes:

This versatile bread can be customized with dried cherries, chocolate chips, cranberries, or your choice of fruits and nuts. Works beautifully as mini loaves or muffins. Freezes well for future enjoyment.

Bringing Inisfree to Your Table

While we’d love to have you experience these recipes firsthand during a stay at Inisfree Estate, we’re delighted to share them with you to bring a touch of our hospitality to your home. These tried-and-true recipes have delighted hundreds of guests over the years and represent the care and attention we pour into every aspect of the Inisfree experience.

If you try any of these recipes at home, we’d love to hear how they turn out! Tag us in your creations on social media or share your experience during your next visit. And if you’re curious about experiencing our breakfast service in person, consider booking a stay at our bed and breakfast for your next Michigan getaway.

Stay tuned for more recipes from the Inisfree kitchen in future posts, where we’ll continue sharing seasonal favorites and guest-requested dishes from our table to yours.