MAY

Appleblossom Luncheon - Wednesday, May 12th, 12:30 p.m.
Artists and poets have tried over centuries to describe most eloquently apple blossoms - so simple, yet so complex - so delicate, yet so sturdy. Imagine our cathedral - like barn filled to overflowing with fresh pink and white bouquets. Imagine also the exceptional luncheon we'll create to celebrate the promise of a bountiful apple season. Our own appleblossom festival.

Lovely Lemon Luncheon - Thursday, May 13th, 12:30 p.m.
Once when I was a girl and living in Toronto, Canada, the Queen of England came to town. While she passed by in a stately parade an elegant elderly spectator was overheard to remark: ' Oh doesn't the Queen look Lovely in Lemon!'. Since that charming day 'lemon' has had a special place in our homes. Even more wonderful - lemon tastes fantastic with all of our fruits!
This May luncheon, served amid the appropriately soft and melodious strains of the harp, is a formal springtime repast with lemon embroidered both subtly and boldly
throughout the fresh garden tastes.

Daffodown Dilly and the Softness of Spring Luncheon - Friday, May 14th, 12:30 p.m.
A splash of yellow - a wash of white - wild plums blooming in the hedgerow. Fresh spring eggs from atop nests of straw - a burst of garden chives - rhubarb from the pioneer plant. Spring offers us old friends - with all the newness of a fresh season.

Lilac Luncheon- Wednesday, May 19th,  12:30 p.m.
The lyric softness of spring. The magnificent fragrance of bloom time. Walking through our rows of lilacs planted for harvest, contagiously inspires one to gather, share and celebrate. With a backdrop of our historic barn, and vases tumbling with blooms our melodious luncheon will include our many May taste treats...

Cobblestone Luncheon - Wednesday, May 26th, 12:30 p.m.
Our gorgeous stretch of Ridge Road, pebbled and sandy and perfect for fruit trees, is home to the most impressive collection of Cobblestone homes. Their history is tilled from our soil and our heritage, and their presence fills our landscape with grace and grandeur. This luncheon will feature delicious recipes from the cobblestone era. In addition, it will be our privilege to enjoy a brief presentation on cobblestone architecture by Orleans County Historian and cobblestone expert Bill Lattin. At the close of the lunch Bill Lattin will lead a tour of the Cobblestone Museum Complex, AND of his extraordinary cobblestone home. This is a unique and marvelous opportunity with Western New York's cobblestone expert. A donation of $5 per attendee will be made by Hurd Orchards to the Cobblestone Museum in Childs, New York.

 Crepes Galore  - Friday, May 28th, 12:30 p.m.
     A warm crepe with blackberry jam
     A crepe with cheese and chutney
     A crepe with sauce and herbs on top
     A crepe with cinnamon honey
     From appetizers to entrees to desserts, the versatile crepe absorbs and
         showcases the flavors of the season.
     Recipes will be included with this lovely luncheon - rhubarb and watercress, asparagus, and mint...



JUNE

A New Look at Herbs Junetime Luncheon - Wednesday, June 2nd, 12:30 p.m.
A delightful, healthful way to achieve the finest flavor in one's cooking is to incorporate fresh herbs in new ways. Included in your experience today will be a talk by Michael Warren Thomas, founder of SavorLife, a tour of our annual and perennial herb gardens, and an opportunity to purchase herb plants from our farm and from the Orleans County Master Gardeners. Featured in our fare will be newly made herbal vinegars, jellies, butters, sauces and beverages - and wait 'till you taste our herbal desserts!

Buttercups and Cupcakes Luncheon - Thursday, June 3rd, 12:30 p.m.
There is a magic moment in June when waves of yellow buttercups carpet the orchard floor. This is one of our favorite visions - a bucolic paradise in youthful expression. Couple the buttercups with cupcakes! Chocolate and strawberry - lemon and rhubarb make tiered tray and pretty platter dance and laugh while vases of buttercup sunshine don our tables.

Poppies and Popovers - Friday, June 4th, 12:30 p.m.
By early June the magic of poppies spreads across our flower fields. Suddenly bursting in shades of carmine and coral, crisp white and true orange, poppies of every variety sweep early summer with energy and radiance. This happy luncheon will also feature fresh-from-the-oven popovers served with warm preserves from the kettle.

Gourmet Spring Garden Luncheon - Thursday, June 10th, 12:30 p.m.
On elegant tables set in and beside our beautiful herb gardens, we will serve our gourmet spring and summer menu. While the strains of music float along an early summer breeze and flowers nod along the lavender paths, our servers will greet you with garden recipes that we have been practicing and perfecting. Enjoy this special moment in time on our farm. 
(This luncheon is limited to 30 guests. Alternate rain venue provided) With harpist Grace Wong

Peonies and Old Roses Luncheon - Tuesday, June 15th, 12:30 p.m.
Soft and the palest pink peonies have nodded in the June gardens of the country for centuries. A hallmark of early summer, the elegant peony gives us a sense of suspended time. Enjoy this luncheon, with wreath rings of blush and sherbet twined about the punch bowl, and a menu of equal delicacy. Drop back in time.

Strawberry Shortcake Luncheon - Thursday, June 17th, 12:30 p.m.
Big bowls of strawberries with whipped cream and hot, freshly made biscuits...pitchers of daisies on farm tables nestled between summer salads and fresh breads with herb butters and jams.

The American Epicure - Tuesday, June 22nd, 12:30 p.m.
There is a quality in the air, and the slant of the sunshine across the barn, that is restful. There is a refreshing authenticity and a quiet grace to the starched cloths laid amid the patina of the old barn beams. There is a simple sumptuousness to the offering of the array of sun- fresh fruits - just gathered, and just-pressed juices, and just baked breads, and just-poured preserves, and remarkable cheeses on the serving table. This luncheon is an expression of the understated sophistication of life on an American fruit farm.

Lavender and Herbs Luncheon - Wednesday, June 23rd, 12:30 p.m.
Lavender is such a celebrated herb for soaps and perfumes, but have you ever tasted lavender shortbread, or lemon and lavender tea cake, or lavender chicken, or lavender jelly? Let us inspire and delight you with the many possibilities that lovely lavender affords us in both taste and treasure.



JULY

Cherries Jubilee Luncheon - Thursday, July 15th, 12:30 p.m.  AND  - Friday, July 16th, 12:30 p.m.
Mid summer on a fruit farm really means to us farmers standing beneath a shady cherry tree looking up through the fat glossy green leaves and the ropes of succulent cherries to glimpse the clear blue sky. It helps if you've just picked baskets beyond baskets of cherries, the truck is loaded and has rumbled away and your hot and strain is refreshed by a handful of cherries divine. yes, this is cause for Jubilee! This is the summer of our experience and joy. Come for our cherry celebration!

Brambleberry Luncheon - Wednesday, July 21st, 12:30 p.m.
Endless rows of red, red raspberries, neatly trellised and trimmed...tarts plump with purple berries, pails brim full of inky black raspberries...and the wild brambles of the hedgerows. The history and presence of bramble culture are a part of baking and jammaking, a part of nutrition and a part of July on our farm.

Blueberries Up, Blueberries Down!... delicious blueberries all around! - Thursday, July 22nd, 12:30 p.m.
Blueberry soup or blueberry catsup,
Blueberry muffins and blueberry pie,
Blueberry bouquets and blueberry baskets,
Blueberry jam under blueberry sky!



AUGUST

An Elegant Luncheon in the Country - Wednesday, August 4th, 12:30 p.m.
At it's height summer in the country is about stolen moments of quiet steeped in bounty and fresh breeze. In a setting beneath the trees, as the sounds of summer surround, our picnic will unfold. Gorgeous cloths - spread with treasures of earth and kitchen - will tempt you: to enjoy the magnificent rural repast we have prepared: perhaps to take a walk: and most certainly to breath anew.

Amazing Apricots and August Fruits Luncheon - Thursday, August 5th, 12:30 p.m.
"A" is for August and Apricots - big, fat, rosy cheeked apricots, smaller tasty yellow ones. A splash of color in jams or marmalades, a luscious surprise in salads and fruit bowls, apricot bread, apricot cake, marinated apricots with couscous, apricots cooked or apricots fresh. We'll taste them all and learn about their history and horticulture.

The Art of Garden Posies - Wednesday, August 11th, 12:30 p.m.
By late summer our flower fields are a bloom in ribbons of brilliant hue. Gardens overflow with herbs. Brown-eyed-susans nod in the meadow. Cottage bouquets, rich with the color and texture of the land, fill our market and grace our quaint tables. Come learn the secrets of an old fashioned summer garden bouquet while enjoying our tasty luncheon. Fun floral arranging demonstration included!

A Rainbow of Fruits and Flowers Luncheon - Thursday, August 12th, 12:30 p.m.
Dancing in the summer sun the fruits of August shine with brilliant hues - orange apricots and golden peaches, inky blackberries and purple plums, bright blueberries, red raspberries and green summer apples! Couple this with rainbows of zinnias, stunning dahlias and sunflowers shining. This luncheon bursts with cheer. This is a celebration of the earth's glorious gifts.

Sunflower Luncheon - Wednesday, August 18th, 12:30 p.m.
Big splashes of yellows, oranges, golds and burnished chocolate make a striking backdrop for the delectable tastes of August. Our glowing harvests, from garden and orchard will make this luncheon a delight.

Classic Herb Luncheon - Thursday, August 19th, 12:30 p.m.
With the sounds of music floating over our beautiful formal herb gardens we'll indulge in a marvelous menu incorporating specific herb seasonings with each item. We have magnificent varieties to choose from - both annual and perennial. Herb bouquets will grace our tables, and herbs and edible flowers will garnish our plates.

Butterfly Garden Luncheon - Wednesday, August 25th, 12:30 p.m.
Our exquisite zinnia garden, with dazzling splashes of brilliant color, hovers and shimmers all the late summer with visiting butterflies. It is magic. Our carefree luncheon will interpret this ethereal moment in color and taste...butterfly cookies included!

End of Summer Luncheon - Thursday, August 26th, 12:30 p.m.
One last bowl of summer berries. One last day of summer's enveloping warmth and ease. Gently fold yourself into the sunset of summer's luxuries - sunshine and peaches - tomatoes and basil - green leaves, blue sky and the garden's bounty.



SEPTEMBER

Peaches and Cream Luncheon - Thursday, September 2nd, 12:30 p.m.
Bushels of amber and coral surround us in peach harvest. Warmth and bounty abound. The canning kitchen hums with activity and excitement as jar after jar of golden peaches is neatly packed, ready for winter enjoyment. The ice cream freezer turns slowly and rhythmically adding music to our anticipation of an afternoon picnic. There are fresh, ripe peaches to savor, juice running down our chins. Come join our celebration.

Discover our Treasures - Wednesday, September 8th, 12:30 p.m.
We love our Western New York, and delight in sampling the unique treasures we find here. We will enjoy together a lovely meal prepared from products handmade by local producers. Wines, meats, cheeses, maple syrup, honeys from our orchards as well as our own fruits and vegetables will be incorporated in our exceptional meal. Many of the makers of these products, as well as our area's remarkable food guide, Michael Warren Thomas ( www.savorlife.com) will share.

Peach Melba Luncheon - Thursday, September 9th, 12:30 p.m.
As a grand finale to our perfect September meal we will feature peach melba. Made famous by the world renowned Dame Nellie Melba (coloratura soprano Sydney Opera), who requested that it always appear on her menu. Served on a delicious cake covered with sliced peaches this raspberry ( and currant!) sauce will be topped with whipped cream. Our September late season red raspberries and our height-of-the-season golden peaches will lift high their chorus and our voices will join hers singing its praise!

An Autumn Renaissance in Bloom - Tuesday, September 14th, 12:30 p.m.
September flowers are more vibrant than at any other time of the year. Gilded with cool nights and warm days somehow the hues are the most radiant - as if they know that one evening soon their season will be ended for another year. Blending the brilliance of the autumn garden with bounty of the orchard's yield is the privilege of September. Our special, special guest for this luncheon will be Alicia Chase, kindred spirit, longtime friend and art professor at SUNY Brockport. Alicia will crown our festive luncheon with insightful commentary about the history of art and flowers. What a treat!

September Bounty Luncheon - Wednesday, September 15th, 12:30 p.m.
The scent of chili sauce in the air. Pickles to brine, peaches to can, the best plums of the world by the bushelful. Bartlett pears and applesauce in abundance. Nothing compares to September's flurry. There is hurry and excitement in every step and delicious fragrances all around. There is so much to be done before fall's end! In the custom of the countryside enjoy the bounty!

Autumn Orchard Concert - Thursday, September 16th, 12:30 p.m.
As apple harvest escalates to its most glorious pitch we take this time amid the gathering to share our thankfulness for a wonderful season. With the strains of music drifting above the treetops we'll enjoy this most wonderful autumn repast resplendent with fall color and tastes.

Hydrangea Luncheon - Wednesday, September 22nd, 12:30 p.m. 
There is something about hydrangeas that captures our imagination. Is it the soft and pillowy blossoms from the clearest blues and crisp whites in July or the subtly hued and sophisticated burnishing of autumn? The stateliness of the hydrangea fill our gardens and bouquets with charm from mid summer until frost. come see how our inspiration has crafted centerpieces from fall's hydrangea offerings. Enjoy a relaxing luncheon, informative talk and tour.

Historic New York; Regional Recipes from Local Cookbooks - Thursday, September 23rd, 12:30 p.m.
Hidden in the yellowed pages of recipe books found here and there in the kitchens of the countryside are time tested and fascinating recipes delicious in ways we have long forgotten. Rediscover how very new is the very old - how cosmopolitan yet how comforting the flavors of ages past! This luncheon will embroider with tale and taste the charm of our very own rural New York.

Heirloom Apples and Robert Frost - Thursday, September 30th, 12:30 p.m.
One of our favorite poems of all times is Robert Frost's 'After Apple Picking'. So many of his words speak of our world, a country world of pruning and picking, orchard lanes and farming ways, yet a world more profound, more simple and more sophisticated than often meets the eye. Some of our ancient trees, with great and turned trunks and limbs, through our care still yield the fruits of long ago, fruits telling stories, and watching the same world, through the same lens as Mr. Frost's.



OCTOBER

The Autumn Garden Luncheon  - Wednesday, October 6th, 12:30 p.m.
The sky is different now. A sudden cool breeze has ushered in a new perspective.
Once we made a delicious herbal vinegar called 'The herbs of the first fallen snow'. In that year we had an early dusting of white, like powdered sugar overtop gardens and fields still lush and green. We were so surprised to find so many garden gifts that seemed to smile in the snow! We relish autumn, as we do each season in step. Discovering the hidden secrets of autumn's offerings in Western New York reminds us that fall is as vivid for the pallet and the eye as are spring and summer. Come learn to look for the harvest gifts of the land. Fun recipes included!

Apple Butter and Apple Pie Luncheon - Thursday, October 7th, 12:30 p.m.
Enhancing our lunch du jour will be hot apple butter right out of the kettle ( come watch the process!) served on breads steaming from our bake ovens. And if you could choose any dessert in the world on October 8th it MUST be apple pie! Our featured recipes will compliment a delightful seasonal menu.
' An apple pie when it looks nice
Might make one long to have a slice
And if the taste should prove good too
A little slice would hardly do
So to prevent my asking twice
Please cut for me a great big slice!'
                                --Betty Hurd


Fall Foliage Luncheon - Thursday, October 14th, 12:30 p.m.
The sun glinting between the barn boards highlights a glitter of golden and scarlet leaves dancing from the center bouquet in our barn. Aged wooden beams glow set against the treasured symbols of fall - warm maple - bronzed oak - persimmon bittersweet - apples in every shade of red -a garnet chrysanthemum - a pumpkin. All about us settles autumn in glorious shades and before us a magnificent meal, filled with an appreciation for the land.

Celebrate Cider Lunch - Wednesday, October 20th, 12:30 p.m.
Cider is pure apple juice - the clear amber juice which trickles from the crushing and pressing and filtering of whole, fresh apples. Cider is a hallmark of American autumn. Come see how cider, used traditionally, enhances the flavor of soups or stews. Taste the differences in varietal ciders - Golden Russet and MacIntosh. Try boiled cider pie, a Puritan's gourmet treat, and old fashioned apple cider jelly. These tastes will each be woven throughout a luncheon of celebrating autumn's classic delights!

The Apple Connoisseur's Luncheon - Thursday, October 21st, 12:30 p.m.
The aroma of apples permeates every corner of our apple barn in October. For those of us who appreciate the exceptional and sophisticated apple world, this is an exclusive opportunity to explore a range of apples with insights from a grower's and apple breeder's perspective. We'll treat you to tastings of unusual, experimental, heirloom and contemporary apples from the fifty plus varieties in our orchards. In addition to seasonal October entree and vegetables, warm breads and delicious dessert, our luncheon will include apple recipes from soup to nuts. Our gift to you will be a lovely collection of favorite apple recipes to try at home.

Autumn Berry Luncheon - Wednesday, October 27th, 12:30 p.m.
By October the earth has flowered and fruited. Hedgerows are filled with wild grapes and rose hips, hawthorns and rowan berries. Some, like the rose Hip and the Wild Fox Grape, are delicious and filled with nutritional value, and have been used for hundreds of years to flavor teas and jellies and sauces. Some are just beautiful.

Harvest Table Luncheon - Thursday, October 28th, 12:30 p.m.
The moment is finally arrived when we have completed the harvest of apples, berries, flowers, pumpkins and squashes. can you imagine the fun you'll have savoring our special menu and luxuriating in the colorful harvest gatherings of late October?