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CPA: Certified Pastry Aficionado

Monte Cristo Pinwheels

Monte Cristo Pinwheels

appetizer· sandwiches & wraps· snacks· Tailgating Recipes
January 5, 2024

Monte Cristo Pinwheels – Puff pastry dough is rolled with black forest ham and Swiss cheese and baked to perfection….
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Bourbon Peach Smash

Bourbon Peach Smash

drinks· Summertime Favorites· Tailgating Recipes
August 14, 2023

Bourbon Peach Smash – Fresh peaches are smashed with mint leaves, bourbon whiskey, and a little honey and then served…
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Pesto Cheese Rolls

Pesto Cheese Rolls

appetizer· bread· Easter· Holiday Favorites· pizza & pasta· Tailgating Recipes
August 7, 2023

Pesto Cheese Rolls – Homemade yeasted dough is rolled with mozzarella and pesto and baked until golden brown. It’s just…
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Buffalo Chicken Sliders

Buffalo Chicken Sliders

appetizer· chicken entrees· sandwiches & wraps· Tailgating Recipes
May 26, 2023

Buffalo Chicken Sliders – Buffalo chicken nuggets are loaded into soft sweet rolls and topped with homemade blue cheese sauce…
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Cheeseburger Egg Rolls

Cheeseburger Egg Rolls

appetizer· beef entrees· snacks· Tailgating Recipes
May 15, 2023

Cheeseburger Egg Rolls – Ground beef is flavored with mustard and a little Worcestershire and then stuffed into a wonton…
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Loaded French Fries

Loaded French Fries

appetizer· snacks· Tailgating Recipes
May 8, 2023

Loaded French Fries – French fries are topped with caramelized onions, American cheese, and a homemade burger sauce. The best…
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Beef Empanadas

Beef Empanadas

appetizer· beef entrees· snacks· Tailgating Recipes
May 2, 2023

Beef Empanadas – These beef empanadas are made with my classic pie dough and filled with a beef and tomato…
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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

warm banana bread with a couple bites removed sitting on a plate with two scoops on butter pecan ice cream stacked on top and caramelized bananas over the top and a spoon on the side

Banana Bread Sundae

vinaigrette dressing being poured over a plate of Orchard Harvest Salad (Panera Copycat) from a glass bottle with a half and whole pair and cherry preserves in the background, shot from a side angle

Orchard Harvest Salad (Panera Copycat)

a slice of peach upside down cake on a white plate with the rest of the cake in the background

Peach Upside-down Cake

chicken and biscuits in a dutch oven overhead shot

Chicken and Dumplings

a slice of apple cinnamon stuffed french toast on a plate with powdered sugae

Apple Cinnamon Stuffed French Toast

overhead shot of bright pumpkin fettuccine on a white plate with sundried tomatoes and wilted spinach throughout

Pumpkin Fettuccine with Sundried Tomatoes

ORDER MY NEW COOKBOOK NOW!

photo of entertaining made easy cookbook available for preorder now

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holiday favorite

apple cinnamon charlotte sitting on a plate with cinnamon sabayon sliced in half to reveal the apples in the center

Apple Cinnamon Charlotte

Sweet Corn Risotto with Crispy Shrimp - Creamy, cheesy homemade risotto is taken up a notch with fresh sweet yellow corn and paired perfect with SeaPak Butterfly Shrimp and Clos du Bois Chardonnay.

Sweet Corn Risotto with Crispy Shrimp (+ wine pairing)

Almond Butter Chocolate Tarts on a platter with a spoon of almond butter on it, shot from a side angle

Almond Butter Chocolate Tarts

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

Pumpkin Cinnamon Crunch Muffins

two stemmed glasses of Cranberry Orange Aperol Spritz with orange slices and rosemary sprigs with cramberries rosemary and half an orange on the table underneath, shot from the front

Cranberry Orange Aperol Spritz

 

Almost 10 years ago, while working late nights in Almost 10 years ago, while working late nights in public accounting, Thai takeout became a small source of joy amidst stressful days. At the time, I only knew how to order Pad Thai. 

One night, my boss convinced me to try Pad See Ew, a savory stir fry with wide noodles, Chinese broccoli, and soy sauce. From the very first bite, I was hooked. 

It was richer, more comforting, and felt like a hug in a bowl. Years later, I finally learned just how simple it is to recreate this dish at home. 

This easy Pad See Ew recipe quickly became one of my go-to meals when I’m craving authentic Thai noodles without the takeout bill. 🍜

The best part? This homemade Thai stir-fry comes together in under 30 minutes with just a handful of ingredients, proving that delicious doesn’t have to be complicated.

👉 If you had to pick just one, would you choose Pad See Ew or Pad Thai?
Comment “NOODLES” below and I’ll send you the full recipe straight to your DMs.
Warm, golden, and perfectly chewy, these homemade Warm, golden, and perfectly chewy, these homemade soft pretzels taste just like the kind from your favorite bakery (but better, because they’re fresh from your oven!). 

This recipe walks you step by step through making classic soft pretzels at home:
✔️ Buttery, chewy texture
✔️ Golden-brown crust with a sprinkle of coarse salt
✔️ Perfect for dipping in mustard, beer cheese, or chocolate sauce (yes, really!)

Whether you’re planning a cozy night in, game day snacks, or a fun baking project, these pretzels are an easy homemade bread recipe that always impresses.

👉 https://www.certifiedpastryaficionado.com/soft-pretzels/
These Chocolate Chip Cookie Bites with Fudge Frost These Chocolate Chip Cookie Bites with Fudge Frosting are the kind of treat you’ll want on repeat. 🍪 Soft, chewy mini cookies topped with a thick layer of rich, homemade fudge frosting, bite-sized desserts don’t get better than this.

Perfect for parties, lunchbox treats, bake sales, or late-night cravings, these easy cookie bites are indulgent without being fussy. Think classic chocolate chip cookies, but dressed up with decadent frosting in the cutest mini form.

If you’ve been searching for:
✔ Easy chocolate desserts
✔ Bite-sized cookie recipes
✔ Fudge frosting ideas
✔ Crowd-pleasing treats

This recipe checks all the boxes. 🙌

👉 Comment COOKIE below and I’ll DM you the full recipe so you can bake a batch this week!
This Creamy Tomato Macaroni Beef is the ultimate w This Creamy Tomato Macaroni Beef is the ultimate weeknight dinner, hearty, flavorful, and ready in under an hour.

Think tender macaroni pasta, seasoned ground beef, and a luscious tomato-cream sauce that clings to every bite. It’s the kind of simple, nostalgic meal that feels like a hug in a bowl ❤️ Perfect for family dinners, easy meal prep, or when you’re craving something cozy and satisfying.

Here’s why you’ll love it:
🍝 Creamy tomato sauce with a hint of richness
🥩 Savory ground beef for heartiness
🧄 Garlic + herbs for classic Italian-inspired flavor
⏱️ Simple ingredients, quick prep, big payoff

This dish is like a cross between beef goulash and homemade Hamburger Helper, but way better. Serve it with garlic bread and a crisp green salad for a meal everyone will ask for again and again.

💬 Comment PASTA and I’ll DM you the full recipe!
Golden, gooey, and totally irresistible Peanut But Golden, gooey, and totally irresistible Peanut Butter S’mores Cookies are everything you love about classic campfire s’mores, baked into a soft, chewy cookie. 🍪

🥜 Rich peanut butter cookie base
🍫 Melted chocolate chunks
☁️ Toasted marshmallows on top
🍯 That nostalgic s’mores flavor in every bite

These easy s’mores cookies are perfect for summer parties, back-to-school treats, or when you’re craving that melty marshmallow magic without the campfire. Think chewy peanut butter cookies meets gooey chocolate s’mores, a dessert mash-up you’ll want to bake on repeat.

💬 Want the full recipe? Comment COOKIES and I’ll DM it straight to you!

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