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Easy Sugar-Free Apple Pie with Warm Cinnamon

Freshly baked apple pie with warm cinnamon and a golden, flower-decorated crust. © 2026 The Comfy Cabin

Since it’s apple season, I’m celebrating with an easy apple pie here at the cabin. Tender apples, warm cinnamon, and a golden crust make this a cozy dessert for a crisp fall day.

Using canned sugar-free apple pie filling keeps the preparation simple, with a little Splenda for extra sweetness. It’s an easy way to bring those familiar fall flavors to your table.

No-guar-added apple pie filling
Gluten-free pie shells

🍒 More pie to love:
If you’re craving a fruity dessert, be sure to try my Cherry Pie recipe too!

Homemade cherry pie with a heart-decorated crust. © 2026 The Comfy Cabin
The Comfy Cabin

Easy Sugar-Free Apple Pie with Warm Cinnamon

This easy sugar-free apple pie combines canned sugar-free apple filling, warm cinnamon, and a golden, flaky crust. A cozy dessert made with simple ingredients—perfect for autumn baking.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6 people
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 frozen gluten-free pie crust
  • For the Filling
  • 1 can  no-sugar-added apple pie filling
  • ¼ cup Splenda
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ⅛ teaspoon almond extract
  • Optional:
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cardamom or ground ginger (adds extra warmth)
  • Almond Flour Topper
  • 1¼ cups almond flour
  • 2 tablespoons Splenda
  • 2½ tablespoons coconut oil
  • 1 large egg
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¼ teaspoon cinnamon powder
  • Optional:
  • You may use the same almond flour mixture to make the bottom crust instead of using a frozen pie shell.

Method
 

  1. Defrost the frozen pie crust on the counter for about 15 minutes. If the pie crust comes in a foil pan, keep it in that pan and place it on a baking sheet. Remove all plastic wrapping.
  2. Prepare the Filling:
  3. In a bowl, combine the apple pie filling, Splenda, cinnamon, vanilla, and almond extract. Add the optional spices if desired.
  4. Spread the filling evenly into the unbaked crust.
  5. Make the Almond Flour Topper:
  6. In a bowl, whisk together the almond flour, Splenda, and cinnamon.
  7. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and coconut oil. Mix until a soft dough forms.
  8. Roll the dough between two sheets of parchment paper to about 1/8 inch thick.
  9. Remove the top sheet of parchment.
  10. Using a flower-shaped cookie cutter, cut out the center of the dough to create an opening. You can also use an adorable leaf-shaped cookie cutter.
  11. Carefully lift the dough using the bottom parchment sheet and place it over the cherry filling. Center the floral cut-out shape on the pie. Slowly peel away the parchment and trim the edges.
  12. With any leftover dough, roll out small pieces, cut additional floral shapes, and place them around the edge for a decorative border.
  13. Bake:
  14. Bake at 350°F for 40 minutes, or until lightly golden on top.
    Loosely cover the crust edges with foil if they brown too quickly.
    Allow to cool before slicing.

Notes

Recipe note:
  •  Fridge: Keep covered and eat within 2 days, since it uses a sugar substitute.
  • Thaw: Overnight in the refrigerator.
  • Freezer: Wrap tightly, whole or in individual slices, and use within 2 months for best quality.

Wishing you a cozy autumn filled with sweet moments. Happy baking! 🍎

With love,

Debra Roinestad
Debra Roinestad © The Comfy Cabin
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Carolina Chickadee in Autumn: A Tiny Bird with Big Personality

A Carolina chickadee perches against a brilliant blue sky. Photo: Joshua J Cotten.

One of my favorite things about our wildlife camera is discovering moments that happen too quickly to notice. This time, I caught a Carolina chickadee in flight and paused the video to create a freeze frame. With its wings raised and tiny feet dangling, this little visitor looks almost suspended in the air!

Wings lifted and tiny feet dangling—a Carolina chickadee caught mid-flight by our wildlife camera.
© 2026 Debra Roinestad/The Comfy Cabin.

This freeze frame preserves just a fraction of a second, but it inspired me to learn more about this busy woodland bird. Although it doesn’t reveal exactly what the chickadee was doing, it offers a wonderful glimpse of life in motion.

A fleeting moment in flight—watch the Carolina chickadee captured by our wildlife camera.
Video © 2026 Debra Roinestad/The Comfy Cabin.

Meet the Carolina Chickadee

Carolina chickadees have black caps and throat patches, white cheeks, gray backs and wings, and pale undersides. Measuring roughly four to five inches long, they are small birds with rounded heads and plenty of energy. They live in the Southeast throughout the year, so our autumn visitors may remain nearby through winter.


For a closer look at chickadees and their fascinating behavior, enjoy this video from Lesley the Bird Nerd. It offers a broader introduction to these lively little birds.

Video: Lesley the Bird Nerd Chickadees—The Smart Tough & Friendly.

Busy Little Woodland Acrobats

If you watch a chickadee among the branches, you may see it hanging upside down while searching leaves and bark for insects and spiders. These birds can also briefly hover to collect food or catch an insect in flight.

A Carolina chickadee clings to textured tree bark, exploring its nooks and crevices. Photo: Joshua J Cotten.

At a feeder, a Carolina chickadee often collects one seed and carries it to a separate nearby branch. There, it holds the seed against the perch with its feet and pecks it open—a clever technique for such a tiny bird.

A Carolina Chickadee stops by for a bite at the feeder. Photo: Joshua J Cotten.

Insects and spiders remain important foods through much of the year. During winter, seeds and other plant foods make up a larger share of the chickadee’s diet. Carolina chickadees also store food and return to retrieve it later, creating little hidden reserves.

Outside the nesting season, chickadees become familiar members of woodland feeding groups. Their winter flocks may contain two to eight Carolina chickadees, with tufted titmice, nuthatches, and other birds joining them as they travel through the trees.

Discover more about chickadees in 5 Things You Didn’t Know About Chickadees! from Badgerland Birding.

Video: Badgerland Birding. 5 Things You Didn’t Know About Chickadees!

Listen for the Carolina Chickadee

Sometimes you’ll hear a Carolina chickadee before you spot it! Listen for its quick “chick-a-dee-dee-dee” call and its whistled song, which often has four notes.

The video below, from Navarre’s Wild Shots, shares examples of Carolina chickadee calls and sounds to help you recognize this little woodland neighbor.

Navarre’s Wild Shots, 5 Chickadee Sounds

Fun Fact: John James Audubon named the Carolina chickadee while he was in South Carolina!

John James Audubon with a Carolina chickadee, the bird he named while visiting South Carolina. 

This tiny visitor reminded me to pause and look closely. Around the cabin, even a split second can become a moment worth sharing. 🍂🐦❤️

Warm regards,

Debra Roinestad
Debra Roinestad © The Comfy Cabin 2026

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Crispy Apple Phyllo Triangles with Raisins & Walnuts

crispy apple phyllo triangles with raisins and walnuts
Crispy apple phyllo triangles with raisins and walnuts. Crispy apple phyllo triangles with raisins and walnuts. ©The Comfy Cabin, 2026

Last year, I shared my savory phyllo meat triangles, inspired by my grandmother’s kitchen. This autumn, I wanted to give those familiar golden triangles a sweet and seasonal twist.

Jump to Recipe

These crispy apple phyllo triangles are filled with warm apples, raisins, walnuts, and cinnamon. They are reminiscent of apple strudel but have a lighter, flakier pastry.

A touch of maple syrup brings everything together, while the delicate phyllo pastry becomes crisp and golden in the oven.

I used three layers of phyllo dough for each set of triangles, lightly brushing each layer with coconut oil. I then cut the stacked sheets in half and folded them into triangles—almost like folding a little flag. The result is light, flaky, and crisp on the outside, with a warm, cinnamon-spiced apple filling inside.

Warm apple, raisin, and walnut filling for crispy apple phyllo triangles. © 2026 The Comfy Cabin.

For the filling, I cooked 3 chopped apples with raisins, walnuts, cinnamon, Splenda, a little coconut oil and a small drizzle of maple syrup. Once the mixture cooled, I spooned it onto the phyllo and folded each strip into a triangle.


Apple, raisin, and walnut filling placed on three layers of phyllo dough.

Folding the filled phyllo dough into a triangle, just like folding a flag.
Apple phyllo triangles baking until crisp and golden. © 2026 The Comfy Cabin.

Bake at 350°F for about 25 minutes, or until the phyllo is beautifully golden and crisp. Since every oven is a little different, I like to check them about halfway through.

They make a lovely autumn dessert or afternoon treat with a warm cup of tea or coffee. Serve them fresh from the oven with a light dusting of cinnamon, a spoonful of Greek yogurt, or simply enjoy them on their own. They are a cozy way to celebrate apple season.

Happy Baking!

Debra Roinestad
Debra Roinestad © 2026 The Comfy Cabin.

Notes:

  • Best apples: Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Gala, Pink Lady, or Braeburn work well because they hold their shape during baking. For a nice balance of sweet and tart, try using a combination of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples.
  • Alternatives: Sugar-free maple syrup may be used in place of regular maple syrup.
  • For sweeter triangles, add 1–2 tablespoons of Splenda, or your favorite sweetener, adjusting to taste. You may omit it entirely if the apples, raisins, and maple syrup provide enough sweetness.
  • Keep the unused phyllo covered while you work because those delicate sheets can dry out quickly.
  • Storage: Store cooled apple phyllo triangles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, place them in an airtight freezer bag and freeze for up to 2 months.
  • For the best crispness, reheat refrigerated triangles in a 325°F oven for 5–10 minutes or in an air fryer at 300°F for about 5 minutes. Frozen triangles can go straight into the oven or air fryer; just allow a few extra minutes and check as they heat. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it may soften the phyllo.
The ComfyCabin

Crispy Apple Phyllo Triangles with Raisins & Walnuts

Crispy, flaky phyllo triangles filled with cinnamon-spiced apples, raisins, and walnuts, with a touch of maple syrup for a cozy autumn treat.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 10 triangles
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • ½ package of phyllo dough Save the other half; phyllo dough usually comes in two packages per box.
  • 3 medium apples, peeled and diced— Honeycrisp or Gala apples
  • ½ cup chopped walnuts
  • ¼ cup raisins
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons monk fruit or your preferred sweetener
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup
  • 2-3 tablespoons melted coconut oil, for brushing
  • Optional: cinnamon or powdered sweetener for serving

Method
 

  1. Heat 1 teaspoon of coconut oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the diced apples, walnuts, raisins, cinnamon, vanilla, and lemon juice. Cook 5-7 minutes, until slightly softened.
  2. Add the maple syrup, remove from the heat, and allow the mixture to cool.
  3. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180℃). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  4. Cut the defrosted phyllo dough in half. Stack the sheets together.
  5. Using three sheets of phyllo dough, place about 2 tablespoons of apple filling in one corner. Fold the bottom corner diagonally over the filling to form a triangle.
    Lightly brush with coconut oil to help seal it, then continue folding the triangle upward, as if folding a flag, until you reach the end of the strip. Seal the edge with coconut oil.
    Keep the remaining phyllo covered with a kitchen towel so it does not dry out.
  6. Place the phyllo triangle on the prepared baking sheet.
  7. Repeat with the remaining phyllo and filling. Arrange the triangles on the prepared baking sheet and lightly brush the tops with coconut oil.
  8. Bake for 25 minutes, or until the phyllo is crisp and golden brown. Because ovens vary, begin checking the triangles around the 15-minute mark.

Notes

Optional: For extra protein, serve with Greek yogurt for dipping.
Posted on

Easy Cheesy Baked Black Beans —Quick & Delicious Recipe

Sometimes, the simplest recipes are the most comforting! These Easy Cheesy Baked Black Beans are warm, hearty, slightly sweet, and topped with delicious melted Mexican cheese.

This is one of those easy dishes that requires very little preparation but delivers plenty of flavor. The combination of tender beans, a rich tangy sauce, a touch of sweetness, and gooey melted cheese makes this dish perfect for a cozy autumn afternoon.

Serve these cheesy baked beans alongside roasted vegetables, grilled chicken, or a slice of toasted bread. They’re also wonderful on their own for a quick, satisfying lunch.

And the best part? You can make this recipe with regular or sugar-free ketchup and maple syrup. Use whichever you prefer!

A little comfort, a little cheese, and a whole lot of homemade goodness!

Happy cooking! ❤️

With love,

Debra Roinestad
The Comfy Cabin

Easy Cheesy Baked Black Beans —Quick & Delicious Recipe

These easy cheesy baked black beans are sweet, smoky, and topped with melted Mexican cheese. Made with simple pantry ingredients, they're perfect for a cozy family meal or an easy side dish.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 people
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cans (15 oz) each black beans, drained and rinsed
  • ½ cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar or your favorite sugar substitute
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¾ cup shredded Mexican cheese
  • 1 tablespoon parsley or fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Equipment

  • skillet or baking dish
  • mixing bowl
  • mixing spoon
  • Aluminum foil
  • measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Drain and rinse the black beans, then transfer them to a small baking dish.
  3. In a separate bowl, combine the ketchup, maple syrup, brown sugar, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder.
  4. Pour the sauce over the beans and gently stir until everything is evenly coated.
  5. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake at 350℉ for 30 minutes.
  6. Remove the foil, sprinkle ¾ cup of shredded Mexican cheese over the beans, and bake uncovered for another 5 minutes.
  7. Allow the beans to rest for approximately 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley, if desired.
  8. Baking Tip: Every oven is different, so check your beans halfway through baking and adjust the cooking time as needed. Keep an eye on the cheese during the final few minutes to ensure it melts perfectly without overbrowning.

Notes

Kitchen Tip ❤️
Feel free to use whatever beans or cheese you have in your pantry. You can also adjust the sweetness to suit your taste.
Leftover Storage
Allow the cheesy baked black beans to cool slightly before transferring them to an airtight container. Refrigerate promptly and enjoy within 3–4 days.
Reheating
Warm in the microwave or oven until heated thoroughly. Add a splash of water if needed to keep the beans moist.
Freezing
Freeze for up to 2–3 months. For the best texture, freeze without the cheese and add fresh cheese when reheating.
Posted on

Celebrating Autumn at Table Rock Mountain South Carolina

Table Rock Mountain glowing in the autumn light. © The Comfy Cabin, 2026

As the season begins to change, the mountain becomes the perfect backdrop for everything we love about fall. The air turns crisp and cool, the leaves begin to loosen from the trees, and before long they are dancing through the breeze and covering the ground in shades of gold, orange, and red.

Even the sky seems to join in the celebration. During this time of year, we often see beautiful shades of pink, orange, purple, and yellow stretching across the evening sky. With Table Rock rising in the distance, those colors make the whole landscape feel almost dreamlike.

This video is a celebration of the season… a quiet moment to enjoy the mountain, the changing leaves, the autumn light, and that wonderful feeling that arrives when summer finally begins to let go.

One of my favorite things about living near Table Rock is watching the landscape change throughout the year. Every season has its own beauty, but autumn always feels a little extra special. There is something comforting about putting on a sweater, stepping outside into the cooler air, hearing leaves rustling underfoot, and watching nature slowly settle into a new season.

Table Rock Mountain dressed in brilliant autumn colors. © The Comfy Cabin, 2026

Enjoy a few peaceful moments of autumn at Table Rock Mountain with us here at The Comfy Cabin.

Autumn sunset over Table Rock Mountain. © The Comfy Cabin, 2026
Magical Autumn at Table Rock Mountain. © The Comfy Cabin, 2026

Happy autumn, friends! 🍂

Debra Roinestad
Debra Roinestad © The Comfy Cabin

Posted on

Busy Squirrels Gathering Nuts for Autumn

Autumn has a way of turning even the busiest woodland chores into something charming.

Outside the cabin, a little squirrel has been hard at work gathering nuts for the colder months ahead. With quick paws and a wonderfully determined expression, this tiny harvester searches through fallen leaves, selects the perfect nut, and hurries away to hide it in a carefully chosen spot.

Watch these cute squirrels busy at work preparing for autumn

Squirrels at Work. © The Comfy Cabin, 2026

I always find it comforting to watch squirrels prepare for autumn. The squirrels do not remember every hiding place. Those forgotten nuts may eventually sprout into new trees, making these lively little gardeners an important part of the forest.

A quiet woodland hillside where squirrels search for autumn’s hidden treasures. © The Comfy Cabin, 2026


A mountain hike surrounded by the beautiful changing leaves of autumn. © The Comfy Cabin, 2026

While the leaves drift down and the air grows cooler, the squirrel follows an ancient rhythm: gathering what is needs and tucking it safely away. It’s a sweet reminder to slow down and notice the quiet rhythm happening all around us.

Autumn colors surround Table Rock Mountain in beautiful South Carolina. © The Comfy Cabin, 2026

Nature is always preparing for the next season—even when it looks like a squirrel is simply playing among the leaves.

Artist of the Forest. © 2026 The Comfy Cabin

Warmly,

Debra Roinestad

Posted on

High Protein Cowboy Cookies –Chunky, Chewy & Butter-Free

If you love a thick, chewy cookie loaded with chocolate and pecans, these High Protein Chunky Cowboy Cookies are such a satisfying treat. They’re made without butter and include oats, almond flour, Greek yogurt, and protein powder for a little extra staying power.

What I especially love about these cookies is the texture. They’re soft and chewy in the center with plenty of chocolate chips and crunchy pecans in every bite. Pressing a few extra chocolate chips and pecans into the tops before baking also gives them that big, bakery-style chunky look.

They’re simple to make, perfect with a cup of coffee or tea, and they make a cozy snack when you want something sweet without making a traditional butter-heavy cookie.

High Protein Cowboy Cookies – Chunky, Chewy & Butter-Free

Big, chewy, butter-free cowboy cookies packed with oats, chocolate chips, pecans, and extra protein.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 10 cookies
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
  • ½ cup almond flour
  • ¼ cup vanilla or unflavored protein powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 large egg
  • ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
  • ⅓ cup Spledna or your favorite sweetener
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ⅓ cup sugar-free or reduced-sugar chocolate chips
  • ⅓ cup chopped pecans
  • pinch of salt
  • optional:
  • Extra chocolate chips and pecans for the tops, optional

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine the oats, almond flour, protein powder, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, Greek yogurt, brown sweetener, and vanilla.
  4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until everything is well combined.
  5. Fold in the chocolate chips and chopped pecans.
  6. Let the dough rest for 5–10 minutes. This helps the oats absorb some of the moisture and makes the dough easier to shape.
  7. Scoop about 2 1/2–3 tablespoons of dough per cookie onto the prepared baking sheet.
  8. Gently flatten each cookie until it is about 3 inches wide. Because these cookies are butter-free, they won’t spread very much on their own.
  9. Press a few extra chocolate chips and pecan pieces into the tops for that chunky bakery-style finish.
  10. Bake for 13–16 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers are just lightly golden.
  11. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes before moving them.
  12. Note: For even bigger bakery-style cookies: Double the recipe and scoop larger portions of dough for extra-thick, chunky cookies. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time, so watch for set edges and soft centers.
Debra Roinestad
Debra Roinestad

Posted on

A Black Bear’s September Grocery List: What Bears Eat in Fall

Since autumn is only a few weeks away and cooler weather is around the corner, I decided to devote a blog post to black bears and their eating habits during the changing season.

While we’re starting to think about apples, pumpkin spice, and all those cozy fall foods, the black bears wandering past our trail cameras have something else on their minds—eating… lots of eating during their hyperphagia phase (an unusually strong increase in appetite)! Apparently, black bears have their own grocery list!

🛒 And What’s in the cart?

🌰 Acorns & nuts — Fall’s high-calorie favorite.

🫐 Berries & wild fruit — Whatever late-summer treats are still hanging around.

🐜 Insects — A little extra protein never hurts.

🌿 Plants & greens — Bears aren’t skipping the produce aisle!

🍎 Seasonal fruit — If nature is serving it, a bear may be interested.

Our trail cameras have been catching bears quietly wandering through the woods behind the cabin, sometimes after dark. I like to imagine they’re checking the aisles to see what September has stocked overnight.

Now watch the real bears

What Bears Eat in the Fall. By Debra Roinestad © The Comfy Cabin, 2026.
Billings Gazette- Bears Hyperphagia Period

And as fall gets closer, finding food becomes serious business for our furry neighbors.

So if you hear a rustle in the woods this September, somebody might just be out grocery shopping—with a shopping cart in tow. 🐻🛒🍂

Note: As always, we admire our bears from a safe distance and never intentionally feed them. Wild bears belong wild.

Warm Regards,
Debra

Debra Roinestad

Posted on

Easy Air Fryer Cinnamon Apples—Warm & Healthy Fall Recipe

This easy air fryer cinnamon apple recipe is one of those simple treats that tastes comforting and indulgent without requiring much work.

The apples become warm and tender in the air fryer while the cinnamon creates that wonderful apple-pie flavor. I like making these when I’m craving something sweet but don’t necessarily want to bake an entire dessert. They’re delicious on their own, but you can also spoon them over Greek yogurt, oatmeal, cottage cheese, or even a small scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Air Fryer Cinnamon Apples

Ingredients

  • 2 apples, peeled or unpeeled and sliced
    (Honeycrisp, Gala, Fuji, or your favorite)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1–2 teaspoons maple syrup, honey, brown sugar, monk fruit sweetener, or sweetener of choice
  • 1 teaspoon melted butter, olive oil, or melted coconut oil
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¼ teaspoon nutmeg, optional
  • 1–2 tablespoons vanilla protein powder, optional (for an extra boost of protein)

Directions

Preheat the air fryer to 350°F. (175℃) Toss the sliced apples with the cinnamon, sweetener, melted coconut oil, and vanilla until evenly coated.

Place the apples in the air fryer basket and cook for 8–10 minutes, gently tossing them about halfway through. For softer apples, add another 2–3 minutes.

Serve them warm and enjoy!

The Comfy Cabin

Easy Air Fryer Cinnamon Apples – Warm & Healthy Fall Recipe

Simple ingredients. Big flavor. A cozy treat ready in minutes!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Breakfast, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 90
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 apples, peeled or unpeeled and sliced (Honeycrisp, Gala, Fuji, or your favorite)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1-2 teaspoons maple syrup, honey, brown sugar, monk fruit sweetener, or sweetener of choice
  • 1 teaspoon melted butter, olive oil, or melted coconut oil
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg, optional
  • 1-2 tablespoons vanilla protein powder, optional (for an extra boost of protein)

Method
 

  1. Prepare Apples:
  2. Wash and core the apples. Cut into ½ inch wedges.
  3. Season:
  4. In a bowl, toss apples with coconut oil (or choice of oil) maple syrup, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract.
  5. Air Fry:
  6. Preheat the air fryer fto 350℉ (175℃) for 2 minutes. Place the apples in the air-fryer basket.
  7. Cook:
  8. Air fry at 350℉ (175℃) for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Apples should be tender and lightly caramelized.
  9. Serve:
  10. Serve warm! Enjoy as is, or top with Greek yogurt, oatmeal, ice cream, or a drizzle of nut butter.

Notes

Delicious Variations:
  • Add 1 tablespoon chopped pecans or walnuts before frying.
  • Add a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.
  • Sprinkle with a little brown sugar for extra sweetness.
  • Also tastes delicious with sugar-free caramel sauce-from Skinny Syrup brand.
Extra Tips:
  • For softer apples, cook 1-2 minutes longer.
  • For extra sweet flavor, add a few raisins.
  • You can store your apples for up to 5 days in the refrigerator in an air tight container. 
  • You can also freeze left over apples for up to 2 months.
  • Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a snack.

Tip: Sprinkle a few chopped walnuts or pecans over the warm apples for a little crunch. They also make a lovely topping for a protein-rich yogurt bowl.

Note: Air fryers are not all created equal. Check on the apples at the halfway mark.

Sometimes the simplest recipes are the ones that make fall feel especially cozy. 🍎🍁

Debra Roinestad
Posted on

Pumpkin Spice & Fall Wildlife: Cozy Sips, Wild Neighbors

There is something about the end of summer that makes me start looking for little signs of fall everywhere. The mornings feel a bit different, the woods seem quieter in their own way, and suddenly pumpkin spice starts sounding good again. Even when the afternoons are still warm, my mind is already wandering toward cozy sweaters, warm mugs, falling leaves, and all the wildlife getting ready for the changing season.

Around the cabin, the animals do not need a pumpkin spice latte to know autumn is coming. They seem to have their own little seasonal calendar.

Deer may start becoming more active as the temperatures slowly cool.
You might notice them appearing earlier in the evening or wandering through familiar trails more often. This is also an important time for them nutritionally, because they are taking advantage of natural foods such as acorns, berries, grasses, leaves, and other plants while they are available. Our cameras have captured deer quietly passing through, wild turkeys exploring, squirrels going about their very important squirrel business, and black bears making appearances of their own.

Photo by Benjamin Raffetseder

Squirrels are another sure sign that fall is getting closer.
They suddenly seem very busy, racing through the trees and across the ground with nuts in their mouths. Squirrels often cache food, which means they hide nuts and seeds in different places so they can return to them later. Of course, they do not always remember every hiding spot, which actually helps the forest. Forgotten nuts can sometimes grow into new trees. So that frantic little squirrel burying an acorn may accidentally be planting part of tomorrow’s woods.

Photo by Kylli Kittus

Wild turkeys are fun to watch this time of year too …
They spend much of their day walking and scratching through the forest floor looking for seeds, insects, berries, nuts, and other natural foods. When a group of turkeys wanders through the yard, they always look as though they have somewhere extremely important to be.

Photo by Tyler Moulton

And Then There Are the Bears…

Fall is an especially important feeding season for black bears. During this period, bears can spend a great deal of time searching for calorie-rich foods as they prepare for the colder months ahead.

That can include acorns, nuts, berries and other natural foods—but it also means human food sources can be particularly tempting.

If you live in bear country, this is a good time to be extra careful about securing garbage, pet food, grills and other things that might attract a curious bear.

Around here, seeing one on the wildlife camera certainly gets our attention. No pumpkin spice required.

Photo by Pete Nuij
Video by Debra Roinestad, The Comfy Cabin. Music: ‘Panic’ by The Smiths.

Now for Our Pumpkin Spice

The animals have their acorns, berries and seeds.

We have pumpkin spice. 🧡

The Comfy Cabin Pumpkin Spice Latte

Ingredients

  • ½ cup whole milk
  • 1 tablespoon pumpkin purée
  • 1½ tablespoons granulated sugar
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
  • 1 cup brewed coffee
  • ¼ cup vanilla creamer
  • Whipped cream, for topping
  • Extra pumpkin pie spice, for sprinkling

To make it: Combine the milk, pumpkin purée, sugar, vanilla and pumpkin pie spice and whisk or froth until smooth and warm. Stir in the brewed coffee and vanilla creamer.

Pour it over ice for an iced pumpkin spice latte, or keep it warm for a cozy hot version. Finish with whipped cream and an extra sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice.

Cabin Tip: Make it your own. You can substitute almond milk or oat milk and use your favorite sweetener to suit your taste.

Maybe that’s what I enjoy most about this time of year. Fall doesn’t arrive in the woods all at once. It sneaks in. So grab a warm mug, watch a little wildlife, and enjoy this beautiful season.

Sip slow. Breathe deep. Enjoy the woods. 🍂☕🦌🐿️🦃🐻

Trail Cam Videos by Debra Roinestad, The Comfy Cabin. Music: ‘Stasis’ by Oakvale Of Albion, ‘Smile For Me’ by Pavlo Butorin

Debra Roinestad

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