I have always been very open with recipe shortcuts, to the point of listing the recipes on my blog. In some cases, I just want guests to make a nice breakfast for themselves at home, which many don't do except on Sunday, by telling them how easy it really can be. I also let them know that even if they do make it at home it won't taste the same (they say, 'Aha! You're going to leave something out of the recipe aren't you?') because what is different is being on vacation and being really relaxed. Eye opener.
I keep the guests pretty up-to-date on all the little things we do so they know we're moving forward. New guests always want to know if we bought it like this or did it all ourselves. I will tell them how much we did ourselves, what's upcoming and even what color paint I used if they want to use it at home. (It's the kitchen paint they love. I get more compliments on that color than any other color in the house.)
However, this past year, like I told Michael, I am no longer throwing it out there without being asked. Because if it looks too easy guests won't appreciate it as much. Another reason to throw a sprig of parsley on the plate- presentation is half the flavor!
I've never liked being rebuffed when asking for a recipe or a 'how-to'. None of my recipes are my own, all of them are copied from someone else. I'm not creative in the kitchen.
I'm going to be doing a fair amount of creative work in the rooms this year. What I am not going to do, if asked, is say, 'That? That's so easy, it took me 30 minutes!' Nope. I am going to tell guests it was a lot of work! Even if it took 30 minutes. But I will share how to do it if asked.