Black Bean Quinoa Bake

(c) The Comfy Cabin, 2023

Black bean quinoa bake is a rich combination of salty, sweet, and tangy. This dish is packed with flavors and is very satisfying. Black bean quinoa is a delicious vegetarian casserole and is also gluten-free. You can serve it with tortilla chips and a side salad.

Jump to Recipe

Basic Ingredients

Black beans, corn, and quinoa.
Mexican cheese, red bell pepper, onions, and cilantro.

In a medium sauce pan, add water and quinoa. Bring to a boil for 5 minutes. Turn the heat low and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and set to the side.

Preheat oven to 350℉. Add olive oil to a 9″ x 13″ baking dish. Set aside. Chop the onions, bell peppers, cilantro, garlic and set aside. Place beans and corn in separate bowls and set aside.

Cooked quinoa.

In a large pan or skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic. Saute for 5 minutes. Then add the bell peppers and corn and saute for another 5 minutes. Add lime or lemon juice, salt and pepper. Place in a large bowl and set aside.

Onions, garlic, bell peppers, and corn with lime juice.

In another large bowl, add the cooked quinoa along with the black beans.

Add the corn and peppers. Add the salsa sauce and mix gently.

Add the cilantro. Optional: Feel free to add olives into the mixture.

Scoop the entire mixture on the 9″ x 13″ baking dish. Smooth it out with a wooden spoon.

Add 2 cups of Mexican cheese on top.  Place in the oven and bake for 20 minutes or until the cheese has melted and browned on the sides. 

Remove from the oven and let it cool for about 5-8 to minutes. Add your favorite toppings. Serve with corn chips and/or side salad.

Enjoy!

Kind Regards,
Debra Roinestad

Black Bean Quinoa Bake

The Comfy Cabin
Prep Time 25 mins
Cook Time 35 mins
1 hr
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 8 people

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
  • 2 cups water
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil optional: avocado oil
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, seeds removed and diced
  • 1 cup canned yellow corn
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans
  • 1 cup red salsa sauce (mild)
  • cup cilantro, chopped
  • half of a lemon or lime, freshly squeezed
  • 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese optional: mozzarella cheese
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • salt & pepper to taste
  • Optional: Toppings- olives, guacamole, sour cream, pickled jalapeno peppers, sliced avocados.

Instructions
 

  • In a medium sauce pan, add water and quinoa. Bring to a boil for 5 minutes. Turn the heat low and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and set to the side.
  • Preheat oven to 350℉ Add olive oil to a 9" x 13" baking dish. Set aside.
  • In a large pan or skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic. Saute for 5 minutes. Then add the bell peppers and corn and saute for another 5 minutes. Add lime or lemon juice, salt and pepper. Place in a large bowl and set aside.
  • In another large bowl, add the cooked quinoa along with the black beans. Add the corn and peppers. Add the salsa sauce and mix gently.
  • Scoop the entire mixture on the 9" x 13" baking dish. Smooth it out with a wooden spoon. Add 2 cups of Mexican cheese on top.
  • Place in the oven and bake for 20 minutes or until the cheese has melted and browned on the sides. Remove from the oven and let it cool for about 5-8 to minutes. Add your favorite toppings. Serve with corn chips and/or side salad.
Keyword dinner

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Cute Wildlife On Trail Cam

Abstract Collage by Debra Roinestad (c) The Comfy Cabin, 2023

Hey Friends,

Here at the cabin, the birds seem to sense that spring is around the corner. Foxes and squirrels scurrying about. We occasionally still have a cold day, but soon the black bears and their cubs will be hanging around the neighborhood. As I write this post, I’m excited to see what the trail camera will capture next.

As always, enjoy the trail cam videos.

Peace and Love,

Debra Roinestad

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Hey Everyone!

Spring came early here in South Carolina. The ravens and squirrels are all over the trail camera. They are BFFs and seem to be very at peace with one another. It is usually not the case for ravens and squirrels to get along. According to wildlife experts, ravens and crows will attack and eat squirrels. To read more click here.  And here.

I love it when I see wildlife just enjoying each other’s company. 

Enjoy the trail cam videos!

Warm Regards,
Debra Roinestad

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3 Great Reasons to Fall in Love With Landrum S.C.

Landrum is a small community with gorgeous mountain views and lovely antique stores in S.C. An old railroad track runs through Landrum. The city was founded in 1880 and incorporated in 1883. It is located west on Interstate 26 between Spartanburg and Asheville, N.C. 

Railroad track in Landrum. Photo by Debra Roinestad, (c) The Comfy Cabin, 2023.

All photos by Debra Roinestad, (c) The Comfy Cabin, 2023.

Here are 3 great reasons to fall in love with Landrum, SC

1) Shopping

All the antique shops has good quality antiques such as jewelry, fine china, books, records, carnival glassware and more!

Antique Stores

The Landrum Antique Mall (Thrill of the Hunt)

221 E. Rutherford St. Landrum SC 29356

864-457-4000

The Landrum Antique Mall (The Thrill Of The Hunt)

Savvy Scavengers Antique Mall & Marketplace

105 S Randolph Ave., Landrum SC 29356

864-457-6710

The Yankee Peach Antiques & Collectibles

120 E. Rutherford St., Landrum SC 29356

864-386-5800

Landrum Eclectics

601 W Rutherford St. Landrum, SC  29356

864-457-2314

Expressions Florist & Antiques

105 E Rutherford St. Landrum SC 29356

864-457-6694

The Vintage Corner

110 S 562, Landrum SC 29356

864-457-1255

Habitat For Humanity Store

132 S 562, Landrum SC 29356

864-457-2666

Big John’s Antiques 

601 S Howard  Suite B Landrum, SC 29356

BotiqueS

Crawfords 

108 E Rutherford St Landrum SC 29356

914-954-7704

Crawford’s

Classic Couture

109 E Rutherford St.  Landrum SC 29356

864-457-3360

Classic Couture

Lucy’s Botique

1508 E Rutherford St

864-457-4445

Sissy Botique & Gifts

210-B E. Rutherford St, Landrum 29356

864-457-2425

Galleries & Speciality Shops

Foothills Amish Furniture

106 E Rutherford St, Landrum SC 29356

864-457-2400

Foothills Amish Furniture

White Buffalo Collectibles (Native American Goods)

205 E Rutherford St Landrum, SC 29356

386-405-2263

The Millstone Gallery (Inside The Landrum Antique Mall)

221 E. Rutherford St. Landrum S.C. 29356

Covington & Co. Jewelry

210 E. Rutherford St, Landrum SC 29356

864-457-5854

P3 Retail Rescue (Non-profit for animals)

112 E Rutherford St  Landrum SC 29356

864-457-3694

2) Great Restaurants

There are  plenty of choices to satisfy your taste buds. Whether it be Americana to exotic food Landrum has it all. 

Restaurants

The Hare & Hound Pub

The Hare & The Hound
The Hare & Hound

Soulisa’s Fine Dining

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El Chile Rojo

Stone Soup Market Cafe

The Carolinas’ Harvest House Restaurant

Southside Smokehouse & Grille

The Pasta Station

China Cafe

Harvest House

Stax’s Drake House

Dimitri’s Greek Italian Restaurant

Biazzo Deli

3) Romantic Getaway

Landrum, SC is the perfect romantic getaway. The city is quiet and peaceful so you can relax from daily stressors.

Hotels In & Around Laundrum

The Red Horse Inn

45 Winston Chase Ct, Landrum, SC 29356

864-909-1575

1906 Pine Crest Inn

85 Pine Crest Lane, Tryon, NC 28782

828-859-9135

Yellow House Of Landrum (Air B& B)

508 E. Rutherford St, Landrum 29356

Make sure to visit this picturesque and romantic city if you are ever in South Carolina.

Debra Roinestad

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Daffodils in the woods. Photo by Debra Roinestad, (c) The Comfy Cabin, 2023

Spring has arrived early here in South Carolina. The wildlife is more active, flowers are starting to bloom, and the sun is shining brightly over the mountains. Plus, the black bears around the woods will be waking up soon from hibernation.

Here are some recent photos that you might enjoy.

Kind Regards,

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Wildlife Collage by Debra Roinestad, (c) The Comfy Cabin, 2023
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Although it is still winter in South Carolina, wildlife senses the vibration of spring. Daffodils are starting to bloom. We are getting hints of spring fluctuating back to winter. Plus, Table Rock mountain has ice or snow on the peak.

Daffodils. Photo by Debra Roinestad,
(c) The Comfy Cabin, 2023

When the weather gets cold, the wildlife migrates closer to homes in search of food or shelter. Wildlife that might be encountered closer to home include squirrels, brown bats, opossums, and raccoons. 

Here is a compilation of wildlife from the trail cam videos I spliced together.

Lots of Love,

Debra Roinestad

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Watercolor Artist: Unknown, Image In The Public Domain.

Hey Everyone!

There are two species of foxes here in South Carolina, the red fox and the grey fox. The trail cam captured videos of a sly red fox! Red foxes are not native to South Carolina, they were introduced by houndsmen during the late 1600s from New England and Europe. The houndsmen loved using the red fox for hunting because of their crafty and elusive nature.

Collage Art by Debra Roinestad (c) The Comfy Cabin, 2023

Foxes have been found in folklore fables for several hundred years as cunning, wise, and adaptable. According to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, red foxes are declining in Southeastern states with the invasion of the coyote. 

The muzzle of the red fox is longer than the grey fox. Overall, the red fox favors open areas with lots of hedgerows. In South Carolina Lowcountry foxes begin to pair up for breeding in the late fall and early winter.

To learn more about the gray fox listen to South Carolina Public Radio, ‘Nature Notes’ by Rudy Mancke click here.  “So, what does the fox say?” click here. 🦊

Warm Regards,

Debra Roinestad

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Hello Friends,

Ah…yes, love! It makes the world go round, your heart flutters, and you begin to feel butterflies inside your belly. Animals deeply feel love and empathy for each other.  Visit the science of love by Dr. Anna Machin click here.

Love is definitely in the air…which you will see on the trail cam videos. Raccoons and deer are hanging out harmoniously, and two deer are kissing with endearment.

“It’s like at that moment the whole universe existed just to bring us together.” – Serendipity

Always know that you are dearly loved and cherished. 

Thank you for visiting my blog. Enjoy the trail cam videos.

Happy Valentines Day! ❤️

Love,

Debra Roinestad

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It’s for the birds…well, not really. If you’re an animal lover like myself, then you will enjoy these trail cam videos. On the trail cam videos, you will find a group of cardinals, blue jays, woodpeckers, and a nutty squirrel socializing with each other. 

Plus, studies have shown that about 10 percent of the 10,000 known bird species have mated with another species. To read more about this from the Audubon Society click here. For more info. click here. So, I guess birds of a feather ‘do not’ stick together. 

Enjoy the trail cam videos!

Lots of Love,

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Subalpine warbler and eggs, strawberry, Red Admiral, wasp cocoon, ants and cocoons from the Natural History Cabinet of Anna Blackburne (1768) by James Bolton.
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How to Plant A Holly Tree Like A Pro

In Celtic mythology the Holly tree is a symbol for peace and goodwill. We decided to celebrate 2023 by planting holly trees in the woods around our home. Plus, holly trees add a pop of color in the winter months. Holly trees are easy to care for and only need to be fertilized once a year. The best location for planting a holly is in well-drained, slightly acidic soil with full sun.

All photos (c) The Comfy Cabin, 2023

Here are the steps to planting holly trees:

Step 1

Lay them out in the configuration that most appeals to you. Remember to try to see them as they will look in maturity. The variety here, ‘Mary Nell’ grows to about 20-30 feet high and spreads out to 10 feet in a pyramid shape, so space them accordingly.

Step 2

Gently remove the holly out of the container. Carefully break up the bottom of the root ball. This is an important step, especially if the plant has become root bound at the nursery. Loosening the bottom of the root system will promote new growth and ensure a good start for your holly in its permanent location.

Step 3

Dig a hole! Our Carolina mountain clay is a bit more challenging than most soils for digging, so we use both a pick and shovel to work through the clay, small rocks, and roots. Though clay is tough to work with, hollies love it!

Step 4

Continue digging until the the hole is twice as wide as the root ball and the root ball sits just slightly above ground level. (See Diagram Below)

Step 5

Place some timed-release tree fertilizer, and an organic soil amendment (bagged top soil and/or a good planting mix, at a 25-50% ratio with the soil removed from the planting hole) at the bottom and sides of the hole.

Step 5

Water the contents liberally, allowing the water to soak through the mixture. Place the holly into the hole and fill the hole with the rest of the original clay. The holly should sit so that the top of the root ball is at about the same height as the top of the hole.

Step 6

Wrap a cover such as burlap around the newly planted holly to keep moisture in the soil and to protect the plant from wind-burn and extreme temperatures. This is an especially important step if you are planting in the winter.

Step 7

Use landscaping pins to hold the burlap in place.

Step 8

The burlap and pins are now in place and should look something like this.

Step 9

Cover the burlap with sawdust or mulch. Finally, water the holly completely one more time.

Before you know it, you will have beautiful holly trees with lovely red berries! 😊🌲

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