Month: June 2022

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The Best Musicians at Brevard Music Center, N.C.

Parker Concert Hall, Brevard Music Center (c) The Comfy Cabin, 2022

If you are looking for nature, music, and beauty consider visiting the Brevard Music Center in North Carolina. The Brevard Music Center is a community of highly talented musicians who have devoted their life to music that brings joy to so many people. 

Parker Concert Hall, Brevard Music Center (c) The Comfy Cabin, 2022
Steinway & Sons Piano, (c) The Comfy Cabin, 2022

There is a combination of excitement as the musicians begin their performance, soothing everyone into serene calmness. At the Brevard Music Center, you will find a music mix of opera, banjo, and classical music. There is a little bit of everything for everyone! 

Interview with Keith Lockhart, Artistic Director

As of now, the summer outdoor concerts have begun. When you arrive at the Brevard Music Center, you will be greeted with a whimsical portrait of Beethoven wearing a pair of cool sunglasses. Also, many talented high students are back and are eager to perform. Outdoor summer concerts are held at Whittington Pfohl-Auditorium. Winter concerts are held in Parker Concert Hall, overlooking Lake Milner.

Beethoven wearing a pair of cool sunglasses, (c) The Comfy Cabin, 2022
Outside of Whittington Pfohl-Auditorium, (c) The Comfy Cabin, 2022
Inside of Whittington Pfohl-Auditorium, (c) The Comfy Cabin, 2022
Norman Krieger & John Schindler teaching a young pianist
Inside Parker Concert Hall, Brevard Music Center
Butterfly sculpture at Parker Concert Hall, Brevard Music Center, (c) The Comfy Cabin, 2022
Outside view at Parker Concert Hall, Brevard Music Center
Beautiful garden at Parker Concert Hall, Brevard Music Center, (c) The Comfy Cabin, 2022

Consider visiting this lovely place, I promise you…it will not disappoint.

Warm Regards,
Debra Roinestad 🌿


Information

➡️ Schedule for the Summer Concerts click here

➡️ Brevard Music Center website click here

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Baked Herb Tortilla Chips

Have you been craving something crispy to eat lately? Then try homemade herb tortilla chips. A very quick and easy way to make crispy tortilla chips is by baking them in the oven.

I used Za’atar seasoning for a delicious Middle Eastern flavor.
Za’atar is a blend of savory dried herbs. The ingredients are sumac, sesame seeds, hyssop, and sea salt. To purchase Za’atar click here.

Za’atar (c) The Comfy Cabin, 2022

Alternatively, you can use salt and leave out the spices. What I love about this recipe is that the possibilities are endless.

Yum!

Kind Regards,
Debra & Anna

Baked Herb Tortilla Chips

The Comfy Cabin
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Appetizer, Side Dish
Cuisine Middle Eastern
Servings 4 people

Ingredients
  

  • 1 package flour tortilla wrap (use four tortillas) Corn tortillas are another option.
  • 1 tablespoon Za'atar
  • salt
  • vegetable oil

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 400° and cut tortillas into wedges using a knife or pizza cutter.
  • Using one or two baking sheets, add the wedges. Brush with oil. Note: You can overlap the tortillas just a little.
  • Sprinkle Za'atar spice and salt.
  • Bake until lightly browned and crispy, about 10 mins.

Notes

Note: I used almond flour tortilla. You may use your any type of tortilla for this recipe.  
Serve with hummus, guacamole, salsa, or plain yogurt.
Keyword Za’atar
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Curry Chickpeas

In a hurry? Make some curry. This is a quick and easy recipe to make in under 30 mins. or less with just a few simple ingredients. Curry chickpeas are a healthy dish packed with rich and creamy flavors. You can serve this dish with rice, pita chips, flatbread or naan.

Enjoy! Debra Roinestad 🌿

Debra Roinestad, (c) The Comfy Cabin, 2022
Jump to Recipe

Curry Chickpeas

The Comfy Cabin
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Indian
Servings 4 people

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoon curry powder
  • ¼ teaspoon ginger, chopped
  • 2 cans of chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can of coconut milk
  • 3 tomatoes chopped
  • optional add-ons: plain yogurt, lime or lemon slices, chopped cilantro
  • Tabasco or Sriracha Chili Sauce for extra flavor

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot or pan, heat olive oil and add the chopped onions. Cook for 15 mins.
  • Add the garlic, ginger, curry, and tomatoes. Cook for another 5 mins.
  • Add the chickpeas. Stir for 3 mins.
  • Add the coconut milk. Stir gently for another 2 mins. Add extra curry powder if desired.
  • Serve with white rice on the side.
  • Optional Add-Ons: Serve with plain yogurt, lime or lemon slices, chopped cilantro. Tabasco or Sriracha Chili Sauce for extra flavor.
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5 Reasons to Visit the North Carolina Arboretum

North Carolina Arboretum (c) The Comfy Cabin, 2022

Get ready to awaken your senses. At the North Carolina Arboretum, you will be filled with a sense of peace and relaxation as you walk through the beautiful landscape and trails. The arboretum contains one of the Southeast’s most impressive Azalea collections and is recognized for its Bonsai collection.

The North Carolina Arboretum is located in the Pisgah National Forest.

More Information Below:

The North Carolina Arboretum
https://www.ncarboretum.org/

Here are 5 Reasons to Visit The North Carolina Arboretum

Trails

Photo by Megan Lee

There are excellent trails for hiking and biking. They have some benches where you can sit and relax. Also, leashed pets are welcome on the trails and in the gardens. List of trails can be found here.

Exhibits & Events

Rose Show from the Asheville Blue Ridge Rose Society (c) The Comfy Cabin, 2022
Asheville Blue Ridge Rose Society (c) The Comfy Cabin, 2022

A few weeks ago, I attended the Rose Show hosted by the Asheville Blue Ridge Rose Society. It was a wonderful treat to admire the many varieties of roses and learn about them.

Bonsai

Photo by Kari Shea

The East Asian Collection was established in 2005, and is a popular exhibition of the North Carolina Arboretum. There are 40 specimens on display. This exhibition is opened seasonally; ( May – October, 9 am – 5pm daily.) During the winter months, the exhibit can be found at the Baker Visitor Center’s Greenhouse (November-April, 9 am – 5 pm daily.)

Gift Shop

Photo by Jess Bailey


The Connections Gallery gift shop is filled with merchandise where you can purchase plants, art books, home decor, jewelry, soaps, toys, and garden accessories.

Restaurant

Photo by: Luis Covarrubias


The Bent Creek Bistro restaurant offers many gourmet sandwiches, salads, pizza, and beverages. Also, you have the option to sit indoor or outside and enjoy the scenery.

Hope you decide to visit this joyous, peaceful, and relaxing place.

Warm Wishes,
Debra Roinestad 🌿

Address:

North Carolina Arboretum
100 Fredrick Law Olmsted Way, NC 2880
phone: 828-665-2492

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Gluten-Free Mixed Berry Pie

Gluten Free Mixed Berry Pie (c) Debra Roinestad, The Comfy Cabin, 2022

A lovely combination of tangy and sweet! This mouthwatering open face pie is easy to make. A flavorful mixture of blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries that will leave you and your guests satisfied. Enjoy!

Debra Roinestad 🌿

Jump to Recipe
Wholly Gluten Free Pie Shell

I found this frozen gluten free pie shell at my local supermarket in the gluten-free isle. You can also find Wholly Gluten Free products at a health food store. Here is their website where you can purchase from them directly.
Wholly Gluten Free products click here.

Frozen Mixed Berries
Gluten Free Mixed Berry Pie (c) Debra Roinestad, The Comfy Cabin, 2022

Gluten Free Mixed Berry Pie

The Comfy Cabin
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 4 people

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup sugar
  • ¼ cup cornstarch
  • ⅓ cup water
  • ½ tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 tbs lemon juice
  • 1 tbs butter
  • 2 cups mixed berries, frozen
  • 1 gluten free pie shell, frozen

Instructions
 

  • Defrost frozen pie shell and mixed berries.
  • Preheat oven to 400°.
  • In a large saucepan, on medium heat, whisk together sugar, cornstarch, water, and butter until smooth.
  • Add 2 cups of mixed berries and stir gently for about 2 mins. on low heat. As soon as the berry filling becomes thick, turn off the heat, and let it cool.
  • Using a slotted spoon, gently scoop the berry filling into the pie shell. Leave any syrup sauce behind. The goal is not to make your pie filling watery.
    TIP: If you wish, you can store the berry syrup in a mason jar for up to 1 week. The syrup can used on pancakes or on top of ice-cream.
  • Place the pie onto a baking sheet pan. Bake for 25 mins. or until crust is golden brown. Remove from the oven and let it cool for about 15 mins.

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Raccoon Stealing Chips on My Front Porch

Raccoon with a bag of Lay’s Chips (c) Debra Roinestad, The Comfy Cabin, 2022

In the afternoon, I heard a loud clunk in the log cabin. I went downstairs to investigate and caught this little one stealing a bag of potato chips. Usually, I leave snacks out for the mailman and delivery folks. During the heist, I saw the raccoon with a bag of chips in her mouth. Also, she had ripped open a bag of Fritos. So, now I learned that Lays, Fritos, and Cheetos are the raccoons’ favorite snacks. Duly noted. 🥰 👍

Warm Regards,
Debra Roinestad 🌿

Raccoon Stealing Chips on My Front Porch, SC

The Adorable Thief (c) The Comfy Cabin, 2022
Look At That Tail!
Strike A Pose
Exhibit A: From the adorable thief (c) The Comfy Cabin, 2022