Things to Do in Lexington, Mo!

This post is mainly for our customers coming to the Open School House this weekend, but also useful for anyone local looking to day trip out to Lexington.  It is the town I grew up in and where much of my family still lives.  It is a quintessential Mid-West historical small town.  Thanks to its affluent historical past (Lexington was larger than Kansas City during the Civil War era), there are many beautiful Antebellum homes and buildings.  We still love just driving around looking at the old neighborhoods (South Street, Main Street & Franklin) and admiring the older homes, and old fashioned tree lined streets.

I've compiled a list of my must-sees while in town.

More information about all of these sites are available on the Lexington website.
Lexington Missouri Website


Fahrmeier Farms
9133 County Farm Road, Lexington MO 64067

My cousin owns a produce farm and pumpkin patch right outside Lexington.  They've got beautiful pumpkins and mums as well as so many kid friendly activities.  They have lunch available and treats, too!

Orchards are a big thing around here!  Here is a list of all of the local favorites.

The Lafayette County Courthouse :

It was built in 1847 and is the oldest courthouse in continuous use west of the Mississippi River. It is known far and wide for the cannonball embedded in the upper left column, a remnant of the Civil War Battle of Lexington I, fought on September 18, 19 and 20, 1861.^[2]

Anderson House, Museum & The Civil War Battlefield : 

Lexington was the site of the largest battle in the western campaign of the American Civil War. The battlefield on the bluffs of the Missouri River is now a state park where the trenches in the battlefield are still visible today. Experience the historic Anderson House that was utilized as a hospital and seized by both sides in the battle known as the Battle of the Hemp Bales. Historian-led tours and a pristinely preserved museum of artifacts and stories make this a must-see national heritage destination.




Main Street :

There are many darling stores on Main Street.  Here are some of my favorite spots :

The River Reader & Coffee Shop, 1010 Main Street

This is Emma's favorite bookstore.  This is also the spot in town to get coffee.  Amanda that also works at the School House works there on Saturdays, so say hi!

Antique Stores - a list of all, here

There are many, many antique stores on Main Street.  Here are my favorites :



Blackthorn Antiques, 1115 Main
The Country Peddler, 1112 Main

Old West Octoberfest

I picked this weekend for our Autumn Open House because there are some really fun activities happening in Lexington.  The Main Street will be buzzing with activities, details below!

Old West Octoberfest in Downtown Lexington, complete info here >

Historic Trolly Tours : 11am, Noon & 1pm (leave from 10th Street & Franklin Street), $5

Art & Photography Show : The LEX, 11 South 11th Street, 10am - 4pm

 
Downtown Craft & Antique Vendor Booths on Main Street (maybe relocated due to weather), 10am - 10pm

Craft Beer Tasting : 4pm - 7pm, 1111 Main Street at the P&H Events Center, $15

Kids Activities : 11am - 2pm, Scarecrow Building, Cowboys, Pumpkin Painting & Entertainment across from the Courthouse on Main Street

Toffee Topped Spice Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting

In an effort to be 100% transparent, I used a cake mix to make these cupcakes.  I think it was a Duncan Hines Spice Cake Mix, to be exact.  If you have read this blog for a while, you know that I'm not afraid of or embarrassed by a cake mix.  I use them all of the time for shortcuts - especially when I'm making cupcakes.  Maybe it is just me, but I think that homemade cupcake batter can be a little finicky... it can roll over the sides, it can deflate, etc., and I wanted these to look just perfect in my new Gold Striped Cupcake Papers.  And it was easy.  I was really in the mood for a Fall-ish spice cake topped with creamy, cream cheese frosting and these were everything (and more!) than I had hoped.





People tend to not think about texture as much as they should.  I had a gourmet ice cream sundae at a fancy restaurant this summer, and the combination of textures was unbelievable.  I can still taste (feel it?) right now.  This cupcake combination of creamy frosting, moist cake and crunchy toffee has the same effect - in a very fall way.

Even though I used a mix, I thought I should provide you with some sort of recipe if you want to make some from scratch.  Here is my favorite, very dense and delicious spice cake recipe.  If you are making them from a box like me, just follow the baking directions and the frosting instructions.  Enjoy!

Spice Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting and Toffee
makes about 12 cupcakes



1 cup sugar
2 cups flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg
pinch of ground cloves
2 eggs
1 cup milk
6 tablespoons of melted butter
1 tsp vanilla
....
4 ounces of cream cheese (1/2 block), room temperature
1 stick of butter
2 cups of powdered sugar (or more)
toffee candies (I used Werther's Original, which are caramel candies), chopped

In a mixer, combine sugar, flour, baking powder, soda, salt and spices.  Stir to combine.  Add egg, milk, melted butter and vanilla.  Mix on low until combined.  Beat for 1 minute on medium high. 



Scoop into cupcake papers, I used Gold Striped Papers ($6.50) for a little festive touch.  



Bake at 350 for 13-15 minutes, until tester comes out clean, or cupcakes spring back to touch.  




For cream cheese frosting, combine cream cheese and butter in a mixer until blended together.  Add powdered sugar and mix for 3 minutes on low.  Frost using an 18" Piping Bag with the tip cut off.   I did a basic, easy swirl - you can just scrape it off and start over if you need some practice.  I try not to do toooo much frosting, just a good ratio.  

I used Werther's Original caramel candies, because my grocery store didn't have toffee, except with milk chocolate.  So, I just chopped up the candies with my knife - it worked great.  



These were so tasty and perfect for breakfast, I mean an afternoon snack with coffee.  What are your favorite Fall desserts?  The next on my list is soft pumpkin spice pumpkin-shaped sugar cookies with a cream cheese butter icing.  That will have to wait until next week... when I can find my rolling pin!



Products Used :


Gold Striped Cupcake Papers, 100 for $6.50
Disposable Pastry Bags, 20 for $14.50

Spiced Apple Crisp in New Tart Pan

This is the best dessert you will make all Fall.  Okay, maybe besides the Pumpkin Cupcakes with Maple Cream Cheese... but those are more like breakfast cupcakes and after school snacks.  This is a dessert you serve on Sunday night after a really comforting dinner - pot roast, braised beef stew, etc.  This recipe in particular will knock your socks off - it has orange zest, cinnamon, and cranberries in addition to the apples.  Just the aroma is enough to warm your soul.

Sometimes just a new shaped baking dish can re-inspire me.  I've had this Ceramic Fluted Tart Pan for years and use it all of the time for quiche, brownie pudding and baked dips, but I had never tried baking a crisp in it.  It feels a bit more stylish in this than a traditional pie plate or casserole pan.  

Shop New Ceramic Fluted Tart Pan >

The cookie dough topping on top is super simple - I just throw it in a bowl and squeeze it together with my hands and then crumble it on top.

 Apple Cranberry Crisp

Apple Cranberry Filling :

10 apples (4 pounds), cored and peeled

3/4 cup of dried cranberries

2 teaspoons of orange zest

4 tablespoons of orange juice

1/2 cup of sugar

1/2 cup of flour

1 teaspoon of cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg

Crumble Topping :

1 1/2 cup of flour

1/2 cup of sugar

1/3 cup of brown sugar

1/2 tsp of salt

1 1/2 stick of butter, cold

Cut the peeled and cored apples to large cubes, about 3/4 inch pieces.  Place them in a large bowl.  Add cranberries, zest, orange juice, sugar, flour, cinnamon and nutmeg.  Toss together with a big spoon until all of the fruit is well coated.  Pour the fruit into a casserole dish or baking dish like this Ceramic Fluted Tart Pan >.

For the topping, in a mixer with the paddle attachment, place flour, sugar, brown sugar and salt.  Cut the cold butter into 1/4 inch cubes.  Place the butter in with the flour mixture and mix on medium until the butter incorporates to create and crumbly mixture, about 2 minutes.  Take handfuls of the mixture and top the apples with it.  Cover the top completely. 

If freezing, wrap tightly, label and put it in the freezer.  When you get it our of the freezer, bake for 1:15 - 1:30 at 350 degrees. 

If baking right away, bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour.

Shop New Ceramic Fluted Tart Pan >

Autumn Harvest Collection | Warming up with Velvets & Baskets

The Season of Layers

Late tonight we are expecting rain that will bring with it 50 degree weather overnight, followed by a crisp 70 degree day.  I can't wait.  We just endured the driest summer and now I'm ready to spend our days outside again.  I can feel that we're on the cusp of change.  The light is warmer and the shadows are longer.  The yard has started to weather and become a bit wispy instead of lush and green.  It is ready for a rest.

In just a couple of days, we'll be collecting leaves and sipping hot cocoa and coffee on our walks home from school.  We'll be heading to the farm for cider donuts and pumpkins and coming home to a cozy dinner by the fire.  We're ready.  We are ready to slow down and enjoy harvest season.

The Autumn Harvest Collection

In preparation, I've added another layer to our home with warm velvet pillows, big baskets, plaid throws & lots of pumpkins -  Fall is finally here.

On the sofa above, I'm featuring the Acorn Block Print, Caramel Velvet, Gold Fleur Block Print, Cashew Velvet and Slate Striped Pillow Covers.

Shop the Everyday Occasions Fall Collection >

In addition to the new pillow covers, I had a new slip made for our ottoman out of my Gold Fleur Block Print.  I had it made by an Etsy store called SlipcoverUniverse.  Pat was wonderful - I sent her a photo, measurements and the fabric.   A couple weeks later, she sent the completed cover and it was perfect.  It really lightens the entire room.  Now I'm hooked and will probably start changing the slipcover with the pillows every season : ) 

22" Large Acorn Block Print Pillows

20" Velvet Pillows in Caramel & Cashew

22" Large Gold Fleur Pillow

Acorn Rectangle Pillow

Mudroom Basket

Large French Basket Trays

Large French Basket Trays

Willow Vase

Rectangle Acorn Block Print Pillow

20" Velvet Pillows in Cashew

22" Large Gold Fleur Pillow

Slate Grey Ticking Stripe Rectangle Pillow Cover

Clay Velvet 20" Pillow Cover

Willow Vase

20" Medium Gold Fleur Pillow

Clay Rectangle Velvet Pillow

I've added several new baskets to our home this season (and to the store, of course).  I have wanted these basket for years.  They are the highest quality - truly heirloom pieces.  Timeless, utilitarian and beautiful - all of the requirements for investment pieces in our home.  

*Special order, please allow up to 3 weeks for delivery.

Mudroom Basket

21"L x 15"W x 14"H + 3.5"hdl

This "Mudroom Basket" is the perfect catch all for everything from magazines, to blankets or sports equipment.  

I've featured it here with my favorite accessory for Fall - for home and my wardrobe.  I use this as a throw and as a wrap.  Each year I look forward to pulling it out - that's how you know its a good one.    The colors are perfect - rust with deep green, blue and gold.  I use it all the way through the holiday season.

Plaid Blanket Wrap >

I plan to use this for our Christmas Tree, ala Tessa at NineandSixteen.com.  I've oogled over her tree in a basket for years.  It will hold logs, throws and pillows in our family room the rest of the year.  I love this basket - such a nice scale, patina and weight.

Shop the entire Autumn Harvest Collection >

Pumpkin Cupcakes with Maple Cream Cheese | Barefoot Contessa

After encouragement from Tessa (@nineandsixteen), Jennifer (@faithmd) and Maria (@growersdaughter) I'm jumping on the Barefoot Contessa's Pumpkin Cupcake bandwagon.  Last year I made about 35 loafs of pumpkin bread from September-February, but I never put it in cupcake form and topped it with cream cheese frosting.  These were so utterly delicious.  The cake is basically the same recipe as the pumpkin bread recipe I use - so moist from plenty of pumpkin puree (making it healthy, right?) and warm spices.  And that frosting.  OMG - so soft and creamy.  The slight sweetness was absolutely the perfect compliment.  We've enjoyed them after school for snacks and for breakfast : )   And now they are gone and I want to make more.

I made them in my Jumbo Brown Cupcake Papers and used the Large Scoop to put them into the papers neatly and portioned.  Her recipe says it makes 9, and I found this to be exactly correct.  It filled the jumbo papers perfectly.  I think you could stretch it to 12 by using my White Cupcake Papers.

I used my Offset Spatula to spread the icing, instead of piping the frosting on per usual, I felt like a homemade spread icing was more appropriate for these simple, earthy (to use a Ina term) cupcakes.

The recipe can be found, here, or in the Barefoot Contessa's Foolproof Cookbook - one of my all time favorites.

Browse all of my favorite Fall Recipes, here >

Shop all of the Baking Essentials, here >

This Week's Menu | Pork, Apples & Short Ribs

This Week's Menu

It is that time.  I've officially switched out my closet out, I had a delicious slice of pumpkin bread for breakfast with my coffee (thanks, Suz!) and we picked our first pumpkin this weekend.  We're full-on fall mode.



Tonight I'm making this wonderful roasted pork loin with apples and onions, along with white cheddar grits for dinner.  Emma and I are going to make some Salted Caramel Sauce after school for the apples we bought over the weekend and  I'm making a big pot of Rainbow Soup for our lunches.

Here is our plan for the week :
Monday : Pork Loin with Apples & Onions (This pork loin roast takes a little while to make, but this faster Pork Tenderloin with Apples & Onions is a quicker version for a Monday night.
Monday After School : Caramel Apples with Salted Caramel Sauce



Tuesday : Rainbow Soup (leftovers for lunch!) & Mini (oven!) Smores

Wednesday : Skillet Lemon Roasted Chicken

 

Thursday : Short Ribs & Apple Crisp

To see all of my Fall recipes, visit the Fall Recipe Gallery >