This delicious recipe comes from Albemarle Inn in Asheville, North Carolina. This BedandBreakfast.com Diamond Collection property is located in a majestic century-old Greek Revival mansion, framed by lush gardens.

Prep time: 30 minutes

For French toast:

Ingredients:

•  1 1/2 french bread loaves
•  8 large eggs
•  1/2 cup milk
•  1 1/3 8 oz package cream cheese
•  2/3 cup ricotta cheese
•  Fresh-grated orange rind of 1 1/2 oranges
•  1 1/2 tablespoons orange marmalade
•  Freshly-grated nutmeg

1. Soften cream cheese; add ricotta, orange rind and marmalade. Spread cheese mixture onto a slice of bread and top with another slice.

2. Dip in egg mixture: beat 8 eggs with a wire whisk; add 1/2 cup of milk and a dash of nutmeg.

3. Place dipped slices on griddle and fry until brown on both sides.

4. Serve with orange sauce, slice of peeled orange, mint leaf, and fresh strawberry.

For orange sauce:

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup frozen orange juice concentrate
• 1 stick butter
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest or dried lemon bits
• Splash of Triple Sec

Instructions: Combine juice concentrate, lemon, Triple Sec and sugar in small sauce pan. Stir over low heat until sugar dissolves. Slowly add butter a few chunks at a time, whisking until melted in. Do not boil. Cool slightly. Makes 1 1/4 cups

By Emily Starbuck Crone

One of the best parts of going to a B&B is being spoiled and pampered. Guests at The Verandas, a Diamond Collection property in Wilmington, North Carolina are in good hands with innkeepers, who go above and beyond for their guests.

The inn is located downtown, but in a quiet residential area. The 154-year-old mansion has been completely renovated and beautifully decorated. The full gourmet breakfast includes French pressed coffee, gourmet tea, fruit course, entree, and breakfast meat served on antique china and silver underneath a beautiful chandelier in the dining room, or outside on the terrace.

The following is a great review from a stay at The Verandas earlier this summer:

"The Perfect Pampered Getaway!!!!!"
[Innkeepers] Chuck and Dennis were so friendly and attentive to our needs and also took the time to talk to us about the history of the house and socialized with us and the other guest during social and wine time. My husband took me to a restaurant downtown for my birthday and Chuck called them ahead and had them to reserve the one seat for 2 by the window and Chuck personally had taken me a gift there that was waiting for me upon our arrival. The Verandas is truly the place to stay!

By Emily Starbuck Crone

The Swag Country Inn is located in Waynesville, North Carolina. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park shares a fence boundary with our inn that stretches more than a mile. Guests can enjoy the breathtaking mountain views from all over the Diamond Collection property, including this hot tub. The inn has an overall perfect rating on BedandBreakfast.com.

By Emily Starbuck Crone

Mast Farm Inn is a Diamond Collection member in the peaceful town of Valle Crucis, North Carolina, in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The inn has eight guest rooms in their restored 1880s farmhouse and seven cottages, some restored from original farm buildings, and others newly built. The inn has its own restaurant that serves creative organic cuisine, plus its own espresso and wine bar.

The innkeepers run a great ongoing special called "The Longer the Better" for married couples. If you and your spouse stay with them the month of your wedding anniversary, you'll get a discount! However many years you've been married is the percent you will save. If you've been married for five years, you'll get a 5% discount. If you've been married for 40 years, get a 40% discount! You'll need to have a copy of your marriage certificate to prove it, so start digging around for it. This deal is especially amazing for couples who have made it for decades! Learn more about the deal here.

Mast Farm Inn has also recently launched a new website, which will not only serve as the inn's primary site, but will also grow as an online magazine focused on Valle Crucis, The Western North Carolina High Country, and North Carolina weddings, outdoors, traditional music, and healthy food. Check it out!

Enjoy a great winter deal at 1898 Waverly Inn in Hendersonville, North Carolina. The Diamond Collection B&B is close to The Biltmore Estate, so they are offering a special package to help you explore the famous sight.

With this deal, get two days at The Biltmore Estate, two audio tours of The Biltmore House, and two nights at 1898 Waverly Inn, all for only $299 + tax (total, NOT per night or per person).

Your two-day pass at The Biltmore Estate also allows you access to the Tiffany & Co. Lamp exhibit that has been extended to January 31. This package is valid until 3/31/12.

The inn is also within walking distance to fine restaurants, exceptional shopping, the Mast General Store, and antiquing in the historic district. You must book this special offer by phone at 800-537-8195 or 828-693-9193.