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CPA: Certified Pastry Aficionado

Work With Me

As Featured In:

I enjoy partnering with the brands I trust. If you’d like to work together to get the word out about your great products, you can contact me at info {at} certifiedpastryaficionado {dot} com

A sample of services that I provide:

  • sponsored posts
  • recipe development
  • food photography
  • partnership packages
  • brand ambassadorships

A full media kit is available upon request.

Below are a few samples of sponsored posts that I’ve completed with some of my favorite brands:

Cajun Chicken Pasta (with Barilla)

Cookie Dough Easter Eggs with M&M’s® (with Mars/Wrigley)

Cookie Dough Easter Eggs with M&M's® - Chewy edible chocolate chip cookie dough truffles with M&M’S® milk chocolate candies, rolled into egg shapes, and dipped into fun colored candy melts to make them look like Easter eggs. The perfect treats to make for Easter! #SweeterEaster

Tiramisu Frozen Coffee (with Dunkin Donuts Coffee)

Tiramisu Frozen Coffee - Make your morning coffee even more exciting with a boost from the flavors of tiramisu. Made with double-strength coffee, milk, creamy marscapone cheese, crushed ladyfingers, chocolate syrup, and crushed ice, this tiramisu frozen coffee will transform your morning routine!

Shrimp & Grit Cake Bites (with Notable Wines)

Shrimp & Grit Cake Bites - Ultra creamy grit patties are fried and served with a buttery sauteed shrimp and crispy bacon to create an appetizer that your guests will go crazy for. Pairs perfectly with the flavors of Chardonnay wine!

Cobb Salad Dip (with Rubbermaid Freshworks)

Cobb Salad Dip - A creamy ranch dip covered in your favorite toppings from a traditional cobb salad. The perfect appetizer for game days, summer parties, and barbecues!

Salted Caramel Apple Pie Parfaits (with Conagra Brands)

Salted Caramel Apple Pie Parfaits - A super simple treat to make for all your summer parties that is sure to impress! Simply layer Marie Callender’s® Dutch Apple Pie, Reddi-wip®, and salted caramel sauce in individual cups and serve immediately.

Cowboy Queso (with Dr Pepper & Johnsonville Sausage)

Cowboy Queso - A chunky queso dip with chopped green chiles, roasted tomatoes, ground sausage, and sliced smoked cheddar sausage. The best dip to feed a hungry crowd during a tailgate. Perfectly pairs with ice-cold Dr Pepper!

Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Bread Pudding (with High Road Ice Cream)

Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Bread Pudding – Cubed chunks of french bread soaked in a pumpkin custard, dusted with cinnamon sugar, and baked. Served with stellar Vanilla Fleur de Sel ice cream from High Road Ice Cream

Pomegranate Rosemary Moscow Mules (with Schweppes Ginger Ale)

Hi, my name is Sharon. I’m an accountant by day, risk-taking baker and food enthusiast by night. Come join me as I share my favorite recipes and test out new ones along the way!

fall flavors

overhead shot of slices of pear coffee cake

Pear Coffee Cake

pumpkin cinnamon pull apart loaf with a center slice visable

Pumpkin Cinnamon Pull Apart Loaf

two mugs of Cinnamon Maple Latte topped with whipped cream and sprinkled with pecans with dunkin donuts creamer and a stack of pumpkins on top of a cloth napkin, shot from a side angle

Cinnamon Maple Latte

two stacked Cinnamon Chocolate Muffins and one muffin cut in half next to it and a pan of cinnamon chocolate muffins, shot from a side angle

Cinnamon Chocolate Muffins

a plate of pie crust chips with a bowl of Salted Caramel Apple Pie Dip on it and a jar of caramel behind it, shot from a side angle

Salted Caramel Apple Pie Dip with Pie Crust Chips

two pints of high road ice cream stacked on top of each other with glass dishes of apple pie sundaes next to them and an apple slice and a apple cut in half in front, shot from the front

Apple Pie Sundae

ORDER MY NEW COOKBOOK NOW!

photo of entertaining made easy cookbook available for preorder now

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holiday favorite

a hand holding a cinnamon roll doughnut showing off the glazed topping

Cinnamon Roll Doughnuts

shortcut apple strudel on a marble serving platter cut down the middle to expose the apple center with vanilla ice cream on top and a fork in the foreground

Shortcut Apple Strudel

close up of a piece of chocolate hzelnut toffee with chopped hazelnuts sitting beside it

Chocolate Hazelnut Toffee

overhead shot of fig and goat cheese crostini on a serving platter

Fig & Goat Cheese Crostini

staged shot of pumpkin cinnamon crunch muffins with sprinkled pecans and pumpkins in the background, shot from a side angle

Pumpkin Cinnamon Crunch Muffins

 

Gingerbread Soufflé = Holiday Magic! These indi Gingerbread Soufflé = Holiday Magic! 

These individual gingerbread soufflés are the PERFECT special holiday dessert! They're fancy enough for dinner parties but my 4-year-old loved them too!

Light, airy, and full of warm gingerbread spices - molasses, ginger, and pumpkin pie spice. The dramatic rise makes them so impressive!

Why you'll LOVE these soufflés:
✨ Impressive presentation (looks SO fancy!)
✨ Warm gingerbread flavor
✨ Light and airy texture
✨ Individual servings (elegant!)
✨ Kid and adult approved
✨ Perfect for holiday entertaining

Here's the magic: beaten egg whites folded gently into a spiced molasses base create that signature airy texture and dramatic rise! The key is greasing AND sugaring your ramekins - the sugar helps the soufflé "climb" up the sides. And whatever you do, DON'T open the oven door early or they'll collapse!

These are SO much easier than you think! Yes, soufflés have a reputation for being tricky, but if you follow a few key rules, you'll nail them.

Pro tips:
🔸 Fold egg whites GENTLY (don't deflate them!)
🔸 Grease AND sugar ramekins well
🔸 Use ramekins with straight sides
🔸 Keep oven door CLOSED while baking
🔸 Serve immediately (they fall as they cool)

The gingerbread flavor is perfect for the holidays - warm spices with molasses create that classic gingerbread taste we all love. They're light enough to serve after a big holiday meal but special enough to wow your guests! 

Want the full recipe? Comment SOUFFLE below and I'll send it straight to your DMs! 

#GingerbreadSouffle #Souffle #HolidayDesserts #ChristmasDesserts #HolidayBaking #ChristmasBaking
My Favorite Meatloaf Recipe! This is THE meatloa My Favorite Meatloaf Recipe! 

This is THE meatloaf that converted my family! It's lean yet incredibly flavorful, uses ingredients you already have, and is ready in under an hour. Perfect weeknight dinner that everyone loves - even the picky eaters!

Why this is my FAVORITE meatloaf:
✨ Simple ingredients (probably in your pantry!)
✨ Lean ground beef (healthier!)
✨ That sweet & tangy sauce on top
✨ Ready in under an hour
✨ Crispy edges (we bake on a sheet!)
✨ Juicy, never dry

Here's what makes this special: I mince the onions SUPER fine (use a food processor!) so they mix throughout without big chunks, and we bake it on a baking sheet instead of a loaf pan. This gives you those crispy edges everyone fights over! Plus, the sauce on top is sweet, tangy, and absolutely addictive. I always grab the end pieces for extra sauce!

My husband's favorite part? The minced onions that add incredible flavor without feeling like "filler." My favorite part? That sauce! It's made with ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, and spices - so good!

Pro tips:
🔸 Mince onions REALLY fine (food processor works!)
🔸 Don't overmix the meat (makes it tough)
🔸 Use meat thermometer (160°F = perfect!)
🔸 Let it rest 10 minutes before slicing
🔸 Serve with mashed potatoes!

This meatloaf has become our weekly dinner rotation staple. It's comfort food that doesn't take all day and uses lean meat so you don't feel guilty about eating it! The leftovers make amazing sandwiches too. 

Want the full recipe? Comment MEATLOAF below and I'll send it straight to your DMs!

#Meatloaf #MeatloafRecipe #ComfortFood #FamilyDinner #EasyDinner #ClassicComfortFood #HomeCooking #DinnerRecipe #EasyRecipes #ComfortFoodRecipes #GroundBeef #HealthyComfortFood #DinnerIdeas
Peach & Goat Cheese Crostini = The ULTIMATE Appeti Peach & Goat Cheese Crostini = The ULTIMATE Appetizer! 

These elegant little bites are SO easy to make but look incredibly fancy! Toasted baguette slices rubbed with garlic, topped with whipped goat cheese, fresh peach slices, basil, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. 

Why you'll LOVE these crostini:
✨ Easy but impressive (looks fancy!)
✨ Sweet + savory perfection
✨ Ready in under 25 minutes
✨ Perfect for entertaining
✨ Can prep components ahead
✨ Good luck eating just one!

Here's the magic: we rub warm toasted bread with a garlic clove instead of adding chopped garlic. The heat absorbs the garlic oils and adds the most subtle, perfect garlic flavor without being overpowering. Don't skip this step - it makes ALL the difference! 

The combination of creamy whipped goat cheese, sweet juicy peaches, fresh basil, and tangy balsamic glaze is absolutely PERFECT. These disappeared so fast at my last party - everyone kept coming back for more!

Pro tips:
🔸 Whip goat cheese with cream cheese for smooth texture
🔸 Rub garlic on WARM toast (key to flavor!)
🔸 Use store-bought balsamic glaze to save time
🔸 Don't assemble until ready to serve (bread gets soggy!)
🔸 Can use frozen peaches when fresh aren't available

These are perfect for holiday parties, summer gatherings, wine nights, or any time you want an elegant appetizer that doesn't require tons of work. Pair with a crisp white wine and you're set for an amazing evening! 

Want the full recipe? Comment CROSTINI below and I'll send it straight to your DMs!

#PeachGoatCheeseCrostini #Crostini #Appetizers #PartyFood #GoatCheeseRecipes #PeachRecipes #EasyAppetizers #EntertainerRecipes #SummerAppetizers #HolidayAppetizers #WineNight #ElegantAppetizers #FingersFood #PartyAppetizers #EasyEntertaining #BruschettaRecipe #SummerRecipes #GoatCheese #Peaches #BrunchIdeas #CocktailParty #Entertaining #FoodBlogger #AppetizerIdeas #FancyFood #EasyRecipes #SummerEntertaining #Foodie #PartyIdeas #deliciousfood
This easy homemade turkey noodle soup is the PERFE This easy homemade turkey noodle soup is the PERFECT way to use leftover Thanksgiving turkey! It's light, comforting, loaded with veggies and egg noodles, and ready in just 30-40 minutes. Way better than another turkey sandwich!

Why you'll LOVE this soup:
✨ Uses leftover turkey (or rotisserie chicken!)
✨ Ready in 30-40 minutes
✨ Light but still comforting
✨ Fresh herbs add amazing flavor
✨ Secret ingredient: lemon juice!
✨ Freezes perfectly for up to 6 months

Here's what makes this soup special: fresh herbs (thyme and oregano) add a brightness you can't get from canned soup, and a splash of lemon juice at the end totally transforms it! I was so surprised by how much the lemon brightened up the whole bowl. You'll never make turkey/chicken soup without it again! 

This is the PERFECT post-Thanksgiving recipe - light enough after all that heavy holiday eating, but still cozy and comforting for cold nights. Plus, it uses up those turkey leftovers in the best way possible!

Pro tips:
🔸 Works with chicken too (rotisserie is perfect!)
🔸 Use any pasta noodles you like
🔸 Prep veggies ahead to save 10 minutes
🔸 Add 1-2 cups water if you want it more brothy
🔸 Serve with crusty French bread!

The soup is noodle-heavy as written, but you can easily adjust the broth amount to your preference. I love it loaded with noodles - makes it extra hearty! And don't forget that crusty bread for dunking! 

Want the full recipe? Comment SOUP below and I'll send it straight to your DMs!

What do you do with your Thanksgiving leftovers? Let me know!

#TurkeyNoodleSoup #LeftoverTurkey #ThanksgivingLeftovers #ChickenNoodleSoup #HomemadeSoup #ComfortFood #SoupRecipe #LeftoverRecipes #TurkeyRecipes #FallSoup #WinterSoup #EasyDinner #OnePotMeal #HealthyComfortFood #SoupSeason #CozyFood #FamilyDinner #MealPrep #FreezerMeal #ThanksgivingRecipes #WeeknightDinner #LeftoverMagic #ComfortFoodRecipes #FoodBlogger #HomeCooking #Soup #WarmingRecipes #EasyRecipes #Foodie #healthydinner
These soft, fluffy pumpkin cookies are loaded with These soft, fluffy pumpkin cookies are loaded with chocolate chips and spiced with just cinnamon for the perfect fall flavor! Best part? NO CHILL TIME needed - you can make and eat them immediately! Perfect for when that cookie craving hits!

Why you'll LOVE these cookies:
✨ NO chill time required (make them NOW!)
✨ Soft, fluffy, and chewy texture
✨ Just cinnamon (not overpowering!)
✨ Pumpkin + chocolate = perfect combo
✨ Cookies barely spread (easy to bake!)
✨ Ready in under 25 minutes

Here's what makes these special: instead of pumpkin pie spice (with all the nutmeg, ginger, and cloves), these use JUST cinnamon! This lets the pumpkin and chocolate flavors stand out without being overpowered by spices. It's simple, but SO good! 

The texture is incredible - soft and fluffy like a pumpkin muffin top but in cookie form. And because the batter is made with real pumpkin puree, they stay moist and delicious for days!

Pro tips:
🔸 No chill time needed (yes, really!)
🔸 Use a cookie scoop for uniform cookies
🔸 Add extra chips on top before baking for presentation
🔸 Cookies barely spread, so 2 inches apart is plenty
🔸 Store in airtight container for up to 3 days

These were a HUGE hit at last year's Friendsgiving and they're about to become your new fall favorite! They're perfect for holiday parties, cookie swaps, or just satisfying that pumpkin craving. 

Want the full recipe? Comment COOKIES below and I'll send it straight to your DMs! 

#PumpkinChocolateChipCookies #PumpkinCookies #ChocolateChipCookies #FallBaking #PumpkinRecipes #FallCookies #NoChill #EasyCookies #PumpkinSpice #FallDesserts #CookieRecipe #PumpkinSeason #FallTreats #HomemadeCookies #BakingFromScratch #FallBaking #PumpkinDesserts #ChocolateChips #SoftCookies #CookieLove #FallFlavors #PumpkinEverything #CookieMonster #BakingLove #FoodBlogger #FallFood #SeasonalBaking #PumpkinLovers #Foodie #CookieTime

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