Brandywine Table: Treat Mom to Breakfast for Mother’s Day

Having someone else cook for you is one of life’s most delicious indulgences. For busy moms who spend every day caring for others, it’s a rare treat. So there’s no better way to show appreciation on Mother’s Day than kicking Mom out of the kitchen! Let her put her feet up while everyone else pitches in. Or let the pros take care of breakfast at a hotel or B&B.

Generations cooking together is a familiar sight at the Inn at Whitewing Farm, a family-run bed & breakfast located near Longwood Gardens. “Our family is incredibly close, and we cherish the memories we create together every day,” said Lance Shortt, owner, innkeeper and head chef. He personally cooks breakfast for guests every day, treating them to homemade breads, handcrafted parfaits and savory dishes made with local ingredients.

Shortt’s grandchildren, Maddie and Jagger, frequently help on weekends, serving breakfast and welcoming new arrivals. The whole family lives onsite, including Lance and his wife Sandy, and daughter Samantha, who manages the business, plus her family. “When we discovered Whitewing Farm — just minutes from where my family lived — we were captivated by its potential,” said Shortt. They originally envisioned a unique wedding venue, then realized it would be an ideal B&B, especially with its location in America’s Garden Capital.

“With our years of hospitality experience and a shared passion for creating memorable guest experiences, we’d found our calling,” Shortt said. “Together, we turned Whitewing Farm into a destination where guests could immerse themselves in the beauty of Longwood, enjoy our grounds and experience personalized hospitality.”

That love for hospitality continues through the generations at Whitewing Farm. “One of the most special things has been watching our grandchildren develop a love for cooking,” Shortt said. “They’ve mastered some of our signature dishes, like our French toast soufflé, quiche and even their great-great-grandmother’s lemon blueberry ricotta pancakes.” These recipes are perfect for Mother’s Day, whether you’re cooking for a crowd or a simple breakfast in bed.

Shortt loves cooking for guests, chatting about their plans and giving suggestions for their getaway. But his favorite diners are Maddie and Jagger. “Being part of how they start their day, sending them off into the world with a full belly and a smile, is something I’ll always cherish.”

Guests at Whitewing Farm enjoy breakfast in the restored 1796 hay barn or delivered to their own private patio. “Every dish is made with love, using fresh, high-quality ingredients that make for a truly memorable start to the day,” said Shortt.

That sounds like the perfect recipe to make Mother’s Day a special treat for your own family. Just make sure to clean the kitchen when you’re done!

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