Posts

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

Posted on

Vegetarian Chicken & Dumplings with Daring Plant-Based Chicken— A Tribute to Dolly Parton 

In Memory of Dolly Parton

Like so many people, I’ve been thinking about Dolly Parton and the joy, kindness and warmth she brought into the world.

Dolly loved Southern comfort food, and chicken and dumplings was one of the dishes she was especially known for. In her memory, I wanted to make something a little different here at The Comfy Cabin — a vegetarian version of Southern Chicken & Dumplings made with Daring plant-based chicken. ❤️ 🌿

It’s warm, comforting and inspired by the kind of simple Southern cooking that Dolly loved, with a vegetarian twist from my own kitchen.

Some people leave behind songs. Some leave behind stories. Dolly left us both — along with a reminder to be generous, laugh often and put a little more kindness into the world.

This recipe is made with love in her memory. ❤️ 🦋

The Comfy Cabin

Vegetarian Southern Chicken & Dumplings

Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Soup, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Southern
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • For the Daring Chicken & Broth
  • 1 package Daring Original Plant Chicken Pieces
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ½ small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 medium carrots, peeled and thinly sliced or diced
  • 2 celery stalks, sliced
  • 5 cups vegetable broth
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon poultry seasoning
  • ¼ teaspoon teaspoon dried thyme
  • ¼ cup unsweetened plant milk, optional, for a creamier broth
  • salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
  • For the Dumplings
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 3 tablespoons vegetable shortening
  • ¾ cup plant-based buttermilk
  • For homemade plant-based buttermilk, combine ¾ cup unsweetened plant milk with 2 teaspoons lemon juice. Let stand for about 5 minutes.

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • skillet
  • mixing bowl
  • Rolling Pin

Method
 

  1. Brown the Daring chicken. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the Daring chicken according to the package directions until lightly golden. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
  2. Cook the vegetables. Add the onion, carrots and celery to a large pot. Sauté for about 5–7 minutes, until the onion is translucent and the carrots and celery begin to soften.
  3. Make the broth. Pour in the vegetable broth. Add the garlic powder, poultry seasoning, thyme, salt and pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  4. Make the dumplings. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda and salt. Cut in the vegetable shortening until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  5. Gradually stir in the plant-based buttermilk until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.
  6. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Gently roll it out and cut it into rustic strips or small pieces.
  7. Cook the dumplings. Bring the broth to a gentle boil and add the dumplings a few at a time. Reduce the heat and simmer for approximately 10–15 minutes, or until the dumplings are tender and cooked through.
  8. Add the Daring chicken. Gently stir the browned plant chicken into the pot during the final 3–5 minutes of cooking. This helps it retain its texture.
  9. For a creamier broth, stir in the plant milk at the end. Taste and adjust the salt and pepper.
  10. Spoon into bowls and finish with fresh parsley and a little cracked black pepper.

Notes

🦋 Comfy Cabin Note 🦋
This isn’t Dolly Parton’s original chicken and dumplings recipe. It’s my vegetarian interpretation of a Southern comfort-food classic, created as a small tribute to Dolly and the warmth, music and Southern traditions she shared with generations of us.
Serve it warm, put on a favorite Dolly song, and enjoy a comforting little taste of the South. ❤️

🦋 Comfy Cabin Note 🦋

This isn’t Dolly Parton’s original chicken and dumplings recipe. It’s my vegetarian interpretation of a Southern comfort-food classic, created as a small tribute to Dolly and the warmth, music and Southern traditions she shared with generations of us.

Serve it warm, put on a favorite Dolly song, and enjoy a comforting little taste of the South.

Lots of Love, ❤️
Debra Roinestad

Posted on

Late-Summer Storm Clouds Over Table Rock Mountain

Table Rock Mountain, Photo by Kurt Roinestad, © The Comfy Cabin, 2026

Hi Friends,

Late summer in the mountains can bring some of the most dramatic skies. One moment, Table Rock Mountain is resting beneath a soft gray sky, and the next, heavy storm clouds are moving quickly across its familiar silhouette. From our home near the mountain, we have watched many storms come and go, but each one seems to have its own personality. Some arrive quietly with a gentle rain, while others sweep over the mountain with dark clouds, strong winds, thunder, and a sudden change in the light.

Late Summer Storms Over Table Rock Mountain by Kurt Roinestad, © The Comfy Cabin, 2026

My husband, Kurt, created this 1 minute video to capture the storm clouds moving rapidly over Table Rock Mountain. As the clouds travel across the sky, the mountain appears calm and steady beneath them. I find the contrast beautiful—the sky is constantly changing, but Table Rock remains strong and peaceful. Watching the video feels almost like watching nature paint a new picture every few seconds.

Late-summer storms often seem to appear without much warning here in the mountains of South Carolina. The air becomes heavier, the colors deepen, and the mountain begins to disappear behind layers of mist and clouds. Sometimes the sunlight still manages to shine through a small opening in the sky, creating a soft glow around the mountain.

Living near Table Rock has taught me to slow down and notice these changes. The mountain never looks exactly the same from one day to the next. Its appearance changes with the weather, the seasons, the time of day, and even the direction of the light. On a clear morning, it can look bright and welcoming. During a storm, it becomes darker and more powerful. Yet through every change, its presence feels reassuring.

There is something peaceful about watching a storm from a safe and cozy place. The clouds may be racing, the rain may be falling, and the wind may be moving through the trees, but inside the cabin, I pause and simply observe. These are the ordinary moments of mountain life that I enjoy—the wildlife passing through, the changing seasons, comforting food, and the beautiful views that reminds us how alive nature truly is.

I hope you enjoy the video of this late-summer storm moving over Table Rock Mountain. It captures only a few minutes in the life of the mountain, but it also preserves a beautiful memory of the sky in motion. I have learned that we only need to look outside, pay attention, and let nature tell its own story.

Kind Regards,

Debra & Kurt Roinestad


Posted on

What It’s Really Like Living Beside Wild Bobcats

Photo by Chandler Cruttenden

When most people hear the word bobcat, they imagine a fierce predator lurking in the woods. Living in the mountains of Upstate South Carolina has taught me something very different.

Through our Blink trail cameras, we’ve had the privilege of watching these beautiful wild cats quietly move through our property. They are mysterious, graceful, and surprisingly shy. Every sighting feels like a gift from nature.

Seeing a bobcat in the wild reminds me that we share this mountain with incredible wildlife. We are simply visitors in their home.

Art by Debra Roinestad

Meet One of Nature’s Most Secretive Cats

Bobcats (Lynx rufus) are found throughout much of North America, yet many people never see one in their lifetime. That’s because they’re masters of staying hidden.

Their spotted coats blend perfectly into leaves, rocks, and tree shadows. Even when one is standing nearby, it can disappear in plain sight.

Our trail cameras often capture them during the quiet hours around dawn, dusk, or overnight. Sometimes they stroll confidently along our driveway. Other times they silently weave through the forest as if they were ghosts.

Are Bobcats Dangerous?

One of the biggest misconceptions about bobcats is that they’re dangerous to people.

The truth is that healthy wild bobcats almost always avoid humans. If they know you’re nearby, they’re usually already heading in the opposite direction.

Like any wild animal, they deserve respect and plenty of space, but encounters with people are extremely uncommon.

If you happen to see one:

● Stay calm.

● Give it room to leave.

● Never approach or feed it.

● Keep pets close, especially at dawn and dusk.

The bobcat will almost always choose to disappear into the woods.

Watching Their Amazing Behavior

One of my favorite things about reviewing trail camera footage is seeing each bobcat’s unique personality.

Some move with quiet confidence.

Some stop to listen to every sound.

Others seem endlessly curious, pausing to sniff logs, investigate scents, or stare directly into the camera before continuing on their journey.

Their athletic ability is remarkable. They can leap impressive distances, climb with ease, and move almost silently across the forest floor.

Watching them reminds me just how perfectly adapted they are to mountain life.

A Visitor at My Kitchen Window

Photo by Debra Roinestad, © The Comfy Cabin, 2026

One encounter will always stand out above the rest.

Early one morning, one of our resident bobcats quietly wandered up to my kitchen window. Instead of hurrying away, it paused for a moment and looked inside.

Then came something I’ll never forget.

It almost looked as if it smiled.

Whether it was simply the shape of its face or a fleeting expression, that’s exactly how it felt to me. For those few precious seconds, it seemed as though we were sharing a quiet moment of curiosity. I watched in amazement from inside while this beautiful wild cat calmly observed the world around it.

Moments like these remind me why I love living in the mountains. Wildlife isn’t something I only read about or see on television—it’s part of everyday life.

That “smile” is a memory I’ll treasure forever, and every time I review our trail camera footage or glance out my kitchen window, I can’t help but wonder when my next bobcat visitor might stop by.

Trail Cam: Bobcats, Debra Roinestad, © The Comfy Cabin, 2026

Why Bobcats Are Important

Bobcats play an important role in keeping nature balanced.

They help control populations of rabbits, rodents, and other small animals. Healthy predators contribute to healthy ecosystems.

Sharing the Mountains

Living beside wildlife means learning to coexist.

We can help protect bobcats by:

● Never feeding wildlife.

● Securing garbage and pet food.

● Supervising small pets outdoors.

● Respecting natural habitat.

● Appreciating wildlife from a safe distance.

These simple actions help keep both people and animals safe.

Every Sighting Feels Special

No matter how many times I review our trail camera footage, spotting a bobcat never gets old.

Bobcat on our trail cam, © The Comfy Cabin, 2026

Every encounter reminds me that wild places still exist and that nature continues to surprise us when we’re patient enough to watch.

Living beside these beautiful animals has given me a deeper appreciation for the quiet wonders happening just beyond our front door.

If we’re willing to slow down and pay attention, the mountains always have another story waiting to tell.

Have You Ever Seen a Bobcat?

I’d love to hear your story!

Have you ever spotted a bobcat while hiking, driving, or on your own trail camera? Share your experience in the comments below—I always enjoy hearing about wildlife encounters from fellow nature lovers.

Happy wildlife watching,

— Debra Roinestad | The Comfy Cabin

Posted on

High-Protein Greek Yogurt Cheesecake with Homemade Nut Crust

High-Protein Greek Yogurt Cheesecake © The Comfy Cabin, 2026

Lately, I’ve been seeing Greek yogurt recipes made with pudding mix trending all over social media, and of course, I had to give one a try! I loved the idea of combining creamy Greek yogurt with pudding mix to create a simple dessert, so I decided to add my own little twist and turn it into a cheesecake.

For my version, I use my homemade nut pie crust, made with finely ground nuts, coconut oil, sweetener, and an optional egg white. The crust is baked for just 15 minutes, giving it a lightly golden, nutty crunch that pairs beautifully with the creamy cheesecake filling.

The nuts were finely ground in a blender before making the crust. © The Comfy Cabin, 2026
Homemade Nut Pie Crust before baking. © The Comfy Cabin, 2026

If you want to make things even easier, you can simply purchase a premade crust that suits your taste.

Once the crust has completely cooled, there’s no baking required for the cheesecake filling. Creamy Greek yogurt and zero-sugar cheesecake pudding mix come together to create a thick, delicious filling with classic cheesecake flavor.

After adding the filling to the cooled crust, simply refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours, or until it’s nicely chilled and set. For the best texture and clean slices, refrigerate overnight.

Top it with fresh strawberries, blueberries, or chopped nuts. There are so many ways to make this recipe your own! 😊

High-Protein Greek Yogurt Cheesecake. © The Comfy Cabin, 2026

I love finding recipes that inspire me and then heading into the kitchen to put my own spin on them. Sometimes a trending idea is just the beginning of creating something new.

High-Protein Greek Yogurt Cheesecake with Homemade Nut Crust

Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 4 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • For the Nut Pie Crust:
  • 1½ cups ground nuts: (almonds, pecans, walnuts, or a mix)
  • 2 tablespoons coconut oil
  • 2 tablespoons Splenda or your favorite sweetener
  • pinch of salt
  • 1 egg white (optional, for binding and crispness) I omitted the egg whites this time and simply pressed the nuts mixture down with a spoon to form the crust.
  • For the Cheescake Filling:
  • 2 cups Greek Yogurt or Vanilla Yogurt
  • 1 package (1 oz) Jell-O-Zero Sugar Cheesecake pudding mixture Regular cheesecake pudding mixture works as well.
  • ½ cup almond milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons Splenda or your favorite sweetener
  • ½ cup strawberries or blueberries

Method
 

  1. For the Nut Pie Crust:
  2. Preheat oven to 350℉ (175℃).
  3. In a bowl, mix ground nuts, coconut oil, sweetener, and salt.
  4. Optional: For extra structure, mix in 1 lightly beaten egg white.
  5. Using the back of a spoon, press the nut mixture evenly into a 6×6-inch pie pan, pressing it up the sides as well.
  6. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden and set.
  7. Let it cool completely before adding your filling.
  8. For the Cheescake Filling:
  9. In a bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt and cheesecake mix until smooth.
  10. Add the vanilla extract and Splenda.
  11. Gradually add the almond milk, mixing gently until fully combined.
  12. Spoon the filling over the prepared crust and smooth the top with a spatula.
  13. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours before removing the springform ring. For the best texture and clean slices, refrigerate overnight.

I hope you enjoy this one as much as I do!
Happy cooking! 💚
Warm Regards,
Debra

Debra Roinestad

Posted on

Easy High Protein Almond Flour Blueberry Cookies

These almond flour blueberry cookies have quickly become a family favorite in our home. They’re soft, lightly sweet, and packed with juicy blueberries in every bite. I love that they feel like a treat while still being made with simple ingredients like almond flour, protein powder, and fresh fruit.

They’re especially good when you want something sweet without making a traditional batch of sugary cookies. The almond flour gives them a tender texture, while the blueberries add little bursts of natural sweetness. I also like adding a touch of lemon zest when I have it on hand—it pairs beautifully with the blueberries.

Best of all, they’re easy to make and only require a few minutes of prep. Enjoy one with your morning coffee, as an afternoon snack, or whenever you’re craving a cozy homemade treat.

Debra Roinestad
The Comfy Cabin

Easy High Protein Almond Flour Blueberry Cookies

Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup almond flour
  • 1 scoop unflavored or vanilla protein powder- I used Isopure protein powder
  • ⅓ cup Splenda or your favorite sweetener (adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil
  • 1-2 tablespoons almond milk
  • ½ cup fresh blueberries
  • pinch of salt

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the almond flour, protein powder, sweetener, baking powder, and salt.
  4. Stir in the egg, vanilla, and coconut oil until a dough forms.
  5. If the dough seems dry, add almond milk 1 tablespoon at a time until it holds together.
  6. Gently fold in the blueberries, being careful not to crush them.
  7. Scoop about 2 tablespoons of dough per cookie onto the baking sheet. Slightly flatten each cookie.
  8. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
  9. Let cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Notes

  • Makes 9-10 cookies. These cookies are soft rather than crispy because of the almond flour and protein powder.
  • For extra flavor, sprinkle a little cinnamon or add a teaspoon of lemon juice to the dough.
  • These cookies pair well with a protein shake if you’re looking for a higher-protein breakfast or snack.
Storage
  • Refrigerator: Up to 5 days in an airtight container.
  • Freezer: Up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or microwave for 15–20 seconds before enjoying.
 

Posted on

How Deer Stay Cool During Hot Summer Days 

Abstract deer paper art painting. Art in the public domain.

Hello, friends!

Summer has certainly arrived here at our cabin, and the deer have found clever ways to stay comfortable in the heat. During the hottest part of the day, they often rest in the shade beneath trees, where temperatures can be much cooler than in direct sunlight. They’re most active around dawn and dusk, when the air is cooler and it’s easier to find food.

Unlike people, deer don’t sweat very much. Instead, they cool themselves by panting when necessary, seeking shady woodland areas, and drinking from streams, ponds, or other fresh water sources. Their reddish-brown summer coat is also much thinner than their thick winter coat, helping them release body heat more efficiently.

Video by Debra Roinestad, (c) The Comfy Cabin, 2026.

You’ll often notice deer lying down quietly during hot afternoons. They aren’t being lazy—they’re conserving energy and avoiding overheating until the cooler evening hours arrive. They also browse on leaves, grasses, and other moisture-rich plants, which help provide both nutrients and additional hydration.

KPAX-TV, A Wilder View: How animals cool off during the summer heat.
Photo by Jonnelle Yankovich

Watching these gentle visitors always reminds me how wonderfully wildlife adapts to each season.

Thank you for joining me on another wildlife adventure. I hope these beautiful deer bring a little joy and serenity to your day.

With love,
Debra Roinestad 🦋

Posted on

Easy Creamy Greek Yogurt Cucumber Salad Recipe

There are some recipes that never go out of style, and creamy cucumber salad is definitely one of them. It’s cool, crisp, refreshing, and comes together in just a few minutes. Whether you’re serving it alongside grilled chicken, burgers, fish, or simply enjoying it as a light lunch, this easy salad is always a favorite.

I love giving the traditional recipe a little healthier twist by using creamy Greek yogurt instead of relying entirely on sour cream. It adds extra protein while still creating that rich, tangy dressing we all love. A touch of mayonnaise keeps the dressing silky smooth, while fresh dill brings everything together with bright garden flavor.

If you’re planning a summer picnic, backyard barbecue, or simply looking for an easy make-ahead side dish, this recipe belongs on your table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

● Crisp, cool, and refreshing.

● Ready in about 15 minutes.

● High in protein thanks to Greek yogurt.

● Perfect for cookouts and family dinners.

● Easy to customize with your favorite vegetables.

● Even better after chilling in the refrigerator.

How to Store Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2–3 days. Because cucumbers naturally release water, you may notice a little liquid in the container. Simply give the salad a gentle stir before serving again.

I don’t recommend freezing this recipe since the cucumbers lose their crisp texture once thawed.

What to Serve With Creamy Cucumber Salad

This refreshing side dish pairs wonderfully with:

● Grilled chicken

● Baked or grilled salmon

● Burgers

● BBQ pulled pork

● Sandwiches and wraps

● Fresh fruit

● Pasta salad

● Potato salad

Final Thoughts

Sometimes the simplest recipes become the ones we make over and over again. This Creamy Greek Yogurt Cucumber Salad is cool, creamy, and full of fresh flavor—perfect for warm summer days or anytime you want an easy side dish that everyone will enjoy.

If you make this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment below and let me know if you added your own special twist.

Happy cooking!

– Debra Roinestad | The Comfy Cabin

Easy Creamy Greek Yogurt Cucumber Salad

Sometimes the simplest recipes become the ones we make over and over again. This Creamy Greek Yogurt Cucumber Salad is cool, creamy, and full of fresh flavor—perfect for warm summer days or anytime you want an easy side dish that everyone will enjoy.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 people
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
  • ½ small yellow onion, thinly sliced (optional)
  • ½ cup Greek yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons light mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or fresh lemon juice
  • 2 teaspoons Splenda or your favorite sweetener
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1-2 teaspoons milk optional, to thin the dressing
  • chopped chives, to sprinkle on top optional

Method
 

  1. Thinly slice the cucumbers and pat dry with paper towels.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, vinegar (or lemon juice), Splenda (or your favorite sweetener), dill, salt, and pepper until smooth.
  3. If you’d like a thinner dressing, whisk in 1–2 teaspoons of milk until it reaches your desired consistency.
  4. Add the cucumbers and onions to the dressing and gently toss until evenly coated.
  5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. The flavors become even better as they chill.

Notes

Optional Add-Ins:
Feel free to make this recipe your own!
●Halved cherry tomatoes
●Thinly sliced radishes
●Fresh chives
●Fresh parsley
●Crumbled feta cheese
● Fresh dill gives the brightest flavor, but dried dill works well too.
Posted on

Easy and Wholesome Homemade Granola

This Homemade Granola is one of my favorite simple recipes. The warm scent of cinnamon, toasted oats, and pecans drifting through the kitchen creates a little moment of calmness and comfort in my home.

It is crunchy, cozy, and made with lower-sugar ingredients, making it a lovely option for my healthy lifestyle while still feeling like a treat. I sweetened it with Splenda and a touch of no-sugar maple syrup, and raisins which creates the classic ‘cinnamon-raisin flavors’.

I love enjoying a small bowl over Greek yogurt or cottage cheese, sprinkled on warm apples, or simply as a crunchy snack with tea. Also, I enjoy incorporating it into a cherry or apple cobbler bake.

Sometimes the simplest recipes become the most comforting ones.

Happy baking, friends 🤎
– Debra | The Comfy Cabin

The Comfy Cabin

Easy and Wholesome Homemade Granola

Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 people
Course: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups old-fashioned oats
  • ½ cup pecans or walnuts
  • ¼ cup Splenda
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 2-3 tbsp sugar-free maple syrup
  • 1-2 tbsp melted coconut oil
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • pinch of sea salt
  • ¼ cup raisins
  • optional fiber/protein boost
  • 1 tbsp chia seeds
  • 1-2 tbsp flax seeds

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 325°F.
  2. Line a baking sheet or small pan with parchment paper.
  3. In a mixing bowl combine: oats, pecans or walnuts, Splenda, cinnamon, salt, chia or flax if using.
  4. Stir in: sugar-free maple syrup, vanilla, melted coconut oil. Mix until everything is ligtly coated.
  5. Spread evenly onto prepared pan.
  6. Bake 25-30 minutes, stirring once halfway through.
  7. Let cool completely so the granola crisps.
    Optional: Add extra raisins or chocolate chips after completely cool.

Never miss a post!

Subscribe now and get fresh recipes, nature stories, and cabin life updates straight to your inbox!

We don’t spam! Read our privacy policy for more info.