The Inaugural Lunch.

Since moving to Walnut Tree Farm we have often fantasized about opening up the house to guests, holding big lunches and offering camping and romantic weekends retreats in the sheperd’s huts in the spring and summer time.  

It is hard to believe that a little over two weeks ago The Walnut Tree Farm Lunch club was just an idea and today it is reality. In two weeks we have set up the blog, spread the word, held the first lunch and are being inundated with enquires and bookings.   
The run up to the first lunch was busy but not hectic thanks to the family lending many helping hands. Friday was spent finishing jobs around the house and shopping. I am pleased to say that on this occasion all of the vegetables, meat and cheese were produced locally.

Saturday was prep day. Titus plucked and cleaned the pheasants. I had the better job of making lavender & thyme white chocolate truffles, coconut and almond dark chocolate truffles, rich chocolate mouse and chicken liver parfait. I couldn’t decide which parfait recipe to use so I made both. One parfait had copious amounts of port and Madeira, cooked slowly in a bain maire. The other parfait consisted of the livers being flambéed in brandy and lots of butter.

Pheasants before Titus got to them

We awoke to beautiful blue skies on Sunday. Had a cup of very strong black coffee and started peeling apples from the garden in-order to make individual apple tarts with lavender and honey cream. It was a good relaxed start to the day and the rest of the day continued in the same manner.

Apple Tarts

Guests began to arrive at 1 and were offered a complimentary glass of fizz and some crab, basil and chilli canapés. Then lunch was served. I did want to take pictures throughout lunch of the happy diners and the food but alas no time. 

Preparing the cheese course & still smiling

 Overall the day went very well. The atmosphere was relaxed and friendly. Conversation and wine flowed. We had great feedback and constructive comments.  Here are a few of them.

“Thank you Jasmin and Titus so much for such a lovely lunch on Sunday. Terry & I had a great time and loved your amazing food. Well done with your new venture and we really hope that it takes off and loads of people come each time. I'm sure they will.

We'll be back!

All best wishes,

Polly Gould”

Hi Jasmin & Titus,

Thank you for a great time on Sunday and a wonderful lunch it was a real pleasure.

Lynda & Mike.

Fantastically enjoyable, long may this continue. Many Thanks”. John and Maggie.