Those 17 additional reasons to purchase a Wisconsin B&B Association gift certificate would be the 17 new member inns that have recently joined our merry group of B&Bs. For devoted B&B travelers, why not include this list with the gift certificate. Did you know: The Wisconsin B&B Association is the only quality-certified group of B&Bs in Wisconsin and one of the largest in the country? 

Congratulations, Deborah Wiersum, you have won the September Get-Away Give-Away - a one night stay for two - to Parkview B&B in Reedsburg. Enjoy!!

Photos from left to right: Hidden Serenity B&B - West Bend test your skill at billiards in the great room; The Fringe, A Country Inn - Sheboygan Falls: the sunny breakfast area also makes a handy work space; Walnut Ridge Log Cabin Guest Houses - Platteville: your private cabin ... it doesn't get much cozier than this!

While technically not a breakfast item, who among us is not guilty of munching holiday cookies in the a.m. with a good cup of coffee!   

Lavender Shortbread Cookies (your choice of cookie-cutter shapes!)

Innkeeper Kerri Thiel says:

Photo: Apple Tree Lane B&B, Waupaca. ...there just may be Lavender Shortbread Cookies waiting for you on the buffet!

"Guests love this recipe and often comment that they have never cooked with lavender!"

1½ cups butter, softened

²/³ cup white sugar

¼ cup sifted confectioners' sugar

2 Tbsp finely chopped fresh lavender

1½-2 Tbsp chopped fresh mint leaves

2 tsp grated lemon zest

2½ cups all-purpose flour

½ cup cornstarch

¼ tsp salt

powdered sugar

In a medium bowl, cream together the butter, white sugar and confectioners'

sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in the lavender, mint and lemon

zest. Combine the flour, cornstarch and salt. Mix into the batter until

well blended. Divide dough into two balls. Wrap in plastic wrap and

flatten to about 1-inch thick. Refrigerate until firm, about 1 hour.

Preheat oven to 325°F. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out

to ¼-inch thickness. Cut into shapes with cookie cutters and place on

cookie sheets. Bake for 18-20 minutes just until cookies begin to brown

at the edges. Cool for a few minutes on the baking sheets, then transfer

to wire racks to cool completely. Dust lightly with powdered sugar,

if desired.

Tips: Experiment to your taste with the amount of lavender, mint and

lemon. Also, make sure cookies are at least ¼-inch thick or they will

get too brown and crunchy. Watch baking time closely so they do not