Showing posts with label hurd orchards. Show all posts
Showing posts with label hurd orchards. Show all posts

July 24, 2010

Blueberries Up, Blueberries Down

With a moving date looming in the near future, I'm starting to feel the pressure to get everything done -- pack, take care of business, (who knew there was so much paperwork involved in selling a house, renting an apartment, and starting a new job?) say goodbye to those I'll miss the most, revisit all my favorite places in Rochester, and still try to keep a semblance of order in the house for Frances. So I was relieved to have a "day off" from moving-related tasks to visit one of my favorite places for an afternoon of eating and friendship. I returned to Hurd Orchards, this time with friends, for their Blueberries Up, Blueberries Down luncheon. When we chose the date back in June, we had no idea that it would turn out to be one of the most pleasant days of the summer thus far.
The barn, where lunch was served, was awash in sunlight and flowers. There was a gentle breeze blowing through the open doors, with lovely aromas coming from within the kitchen. In keeping with the blueberry theme, the entire meal had blueberries in one form or another.

Salad with blueberries and apricots in a toasted almond dressing.

Honey oatmeal bread with blueberry-cherry jam and mini blueberry muffins.

Chicken with blueberry catsup, zucchini fans and yellow transparent applesauce, (first apples of the season!).
Blueberry buckle for dessert.

It was a perfectly enjoyable day, and one that I was so happy to have. Time slowed down for a few hours, and I wasn't concerned with checking items off my "to do" list. But now it's back to the list, with high heat and humidity making a return as well. I'm not wishing away my remaining time in Rochester, but am wishing that I could just get everything done and not have to worry so much!

July 4, 2010

My Favorite Excursion

Finding myself with some free time and a gorgeous, sunny afternoon, I decided to make the most of my Saturday by taking a trip to one of my favorite places: Hurd Orchards. The love affair began three years ago when I happened upon this little gem looking to pick strawberries. It's an idyllic place where you can pick your own fruit, poke around their little shop, or attend a luncheon. This time I was there to pick blueberries, but first took a gander around the market.




Feeling inspired by all the red, white, and blue, I set off to the blueberry patch to pick myself a bucket of blueberries.
Hello cuties!
It was the perfect day to be out in the field with the beautiful sunshine, lovely breeze and ripe blueberries. The ladies at Hurd told me it was an especially great year for blueberries because of all the rain we've had, and I have to agree. They are delicious! Perfect for my patriotic dessert.
Blueberry Rhubarb Crisp with Pistachio Crust, served warm with vanilla ice cream. Yummy! Happy 4th of July!