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CPA: Certified Pastry Aficionado

Broccoli Cheese Pinwheels

Broccoli Cheese Pinwheels

appetizer· sides· snacks· Tailgating Recipes
December 1, 2022

Broccoli Cheese Pinwheels – Puff pastry is rolled up with cream cheese, broccoli, and shredded cheese. They’re sliced into pinwheels…
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Fried Cheese Curds with Buttermilk Ranch

Fried Cheese Curds with Buttermilk Ranch

appetizer· snacks· Tailgating Recipes
October 17, 2022

Fried Cheese Curds with Buttermilk Ranch – Cheese curds are dipped in a beer batter and fried to golden perfection….
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Soft Pretzels

Soft Pretzels

appetizer· snacks· Tailgating Recipes
September 6, 2022

Soft Pretzels – Homemade, chewy dough is twisted in a pretzel shape, dipped in a soda bath, and baked until…
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Tomato Pesto Focaccia

Tomato Pesto Focaccia

appetizer· bread· pizza & pasta· snacks
August 23, 2022

Tomato Pesto Focaccia – Homemade focaccia dough is topped with basil pesto and fresh tomatoes, then baked to perfection. Baking…
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Chopped Strawberry Spinach Salad

Chopped Strawberry Spinach Salad

appetizer· salad· Summertime Favorites
May 19, 2022

Chopped Strawberry Spinach Salad – Baby spinach is chopped and tossed with chopped cucumbers, toasted walnuts, strawberries, chives, and a…
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Scallion Pancakes

Scallion Pancakes

appetizer· bread· snacks
March 28, 2022

Scallion Pancakes – A simple dough is rolled and layered with scallion oil and freshly chopped scallions and fried until…
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Chilled Strawberry Bisque

Chilled Strawberry Bisque

appetizer· Easter· soup· Summertime Favorites· Valentine's Day
February 3, 2022

Chilled Strawberry Bisque – Real strawberries are blended with cream, milk, and a hint of sugar to make for a…
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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

photo of cinnamon apple kolaches with granny smith apples in the background

Cinnamon Apple Kolaches

a bowl of Butterscotch Vanilla Bean Sauce with a spoon in it and a bowl of brown sugar with a spoon in it on a cloth napkin, shot from a side angle

Butterscotch Vanilla Bean Sauce

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)

caramel macchiato cupcakes some drizzled with caramel sauce, shot from the front

Caramel Macchiato Cupcakes

side shot of banana bread doughnuts on a purple plate with more doughnuts in the background

Banana Bread Doughnuts

front shot of pumpkin loaf cut into slices

My Favorite Pumpkin Loaf

ORDER MY NEW COOKBOOK NOW!

photo of entertaining made easy cookbook available for preorder now

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holiday favorite

close up of a serving bowl with sage and brown butter mashed sweet potatoes

Sage & Brown Butter Mashed Sweet Potatoes

a whisking bowl with Garlic & Olive Oil Mashed Potatoes with a wooden spoon in it, shot from overhead

Garlic & Olive Oil Mashed Potatoes

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)

salted caramel banana cream puffs on a round serving plate with bananas in the background

Salted Caramel Banana Cream Puffs

two bowls of goat cheese sweet corn grits with a spoon in it on a cotton napkin with corn cobs next to it, shot from overhead

Goat Cheese & Sweet Corn Grits

 

I combined two breakfast classics into one AMAZING I combined two breakfast classics into one AMAZING treat - fluffy homemade cinnamon rolls filled with sliced bananas, chopped walnuts, brown sugar, and cinnamon. 

These Banana Nut Cinnamon Rolls are the breakfast dream you never knew you needed!

Here's what makes them INCREDIBLE:
✨ Fluffy, gooey homemade cinnamon rolls
✨ Fresh banana slices + crunchy walnuts in every bite
✨ Cream cheese frosting with optional walnut topping
✨ Brown sugar cinnamon filling

The secret? I replaced the egg in the dough with mashed banana, which adds SO much flavor without affecting the texture. 

The rolls come out just as fluffy and soft as traditional cinnamon rolls, but with that amazing banana bread taste we all love!

Yes, homemade cinnamon rolls take time (about 3 hours total with rising), but they are SO WORTH IT. 

The keys to success:
🔸 Use fresh yeast (make sure it foams!)
🔸 Knead the dough for the full 5 minutes
🔸 Don't rush the proofing time - fluffy rolls need time to rise!

These are perfect for weekend brunch, special occasions, or any time you want to seriously impress! The combo of bananas, walnuts, and cinnamon is absolutely divine.

Pro tip: You can prep these the night before! Let them do the second rise in the fridge overnight, then bake fresh in the morning. Your house will smell AMAZING! 

Want the full recipe? https://www.certifiedpastryaficionado.com/banana-nut-cinnamon-rolls/
This Pumpkin Crumb Cake is everything you love abo This Pumpkin Crumb Cake is everything you love about coffeehouse crumb cake, but with cozy pumpkin spice vibes! Dense, moist pumpkin cake topped with the most incredible crispy cinnamon sugar crumbs. It's the perfect fall treat!

What makes this crumb cake SO good:
✨ Whole can of pumpkin puree for maximum flavor
✨ Pumpkin pie spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves)
✨ Super moist, slightly dense texture (in the best way!)
✨ Crispy, buttery cinnamon crumb topping
✨ Perfect with your morning coffee or afternoon tea

This is one of my all-time favorite coffeehouse treats, and the pumpkin version is PERFECT for fall! The cake is incredibly moist thanks to the pumpkin puree, and those crispy crumbs on top add the most satisfying texture contrast. It's divine!

You can serve it warm or at room temperature, and it stays fresh for days (if it lasts that long!). 

Perfect for:
🍂 Fall breakfast or brunch
🎃 Thanksgiving dessert
☕ Weekend coffee date at home
🍁 Cozy autumn afternoons

Pro tip: Make the crumb topping first and chill it in the fridge while you make the batter. This helps the crumbs stay crispy during baking!

Want the full recipe? https://www.certifiedpastryaficionado.com/pumpkin-crumb-cake/
All your favorite breakfast foods in ONE dish - ba All your favorite breakfast foods in ONE dish - bacon, sausage, eggs, cheese, and CRISPY tater tots on top! This Cheesy Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole is about to become your family's new favorite weekend breakfast.

Here's what makes it AMAZING:
✨ Feeds 8-10 people (perfect for gatherings!)
✨ Crispy golden tater tots on top (not mushy!)
✨ Packed with bacon AND sausage
✨ Sharp cheddar makes it extra cheesy
✨ Easy to customize with your favorites

The tater tots get perfectly crispy and golden on top while everything underneath becomes this incredible cheesy, savory heaven. My husband (who is OBSESSED with breakfast food) said this was one of the best breakfast dishes I've ever made. 

Pro tips:
🔸 Keep tots frozen until you add them to the casserole
🔸 Shred your own cheese for the best melt
🔸 Hot sausage adds flavor without being too spicy
🔸 Let it rest 10 minutes before serving

This is PERFECT for Christmas morning, Easter brunch, Mother's Day, or literally any weekend when you want to treat your family to something special! Plus, the leftovers reheat beautifully for easy breakfasts all week.

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

What do you usually make for family breakfasts? Let me know! 👇

#TaterTotCasserole #BreakfastCasserole #TaterTots #BreakfastRecipe #BrunchIdeas #EasyBreakfast #FamilyBreakfast #BreakfastForDinner #CasseroleRecipe #CheeseyCasserole #WeekendBrunch #BreakfastBake #ComfortFood #HolidayBrunch #BreakfastIdeas #EasyBrunch #BaconAndEggs #SausageCasserole #FamilyFavorite #BrunchRecipe #EasyRecipes #HomeCooking #YummyBreakfast
The ULTIMATE Slow Cooker Short Ribs Recipe 🍷🥩

These are hands down the most tender, fall-off-the-bone short ribs you'll ever make! The secret? A rich red wine gravy that transforms these beef ribs into pure melt-in-your-mouth magic.

I'm not exaggerating when I say these are more tender than any smoked brisket I've had. The bone literally falls out after cooking, and you won't need a knife - just a fork!

Why you'll LOVE this recipe:
✨ Fork-tender, fall-apart beef
✨ Rich red wine gravy (SO flavorful!)
✨ Made in your slow cooker - minimal effort
✨ Perfect for Sunday dinner or special occasions
✨ Looks impressive but surprisingly easy

The key is searing the ribs first for that gorgeous crust (don't skip this step!), then letting the slow cooker work its magic for 7-8 hours. 

The red wine and beef complement each other beautifully and create the most incredible depth of flavor.

Serve these over fluffy mashed potatoes or hearty pappardelle pasta to soak up all that amazing gravy! Trust me, you'll want every last drop.

Want the full recipe? Comment RIBS below and I'll send it straight to your DMs! 💌
What's your favorite slow cooker meal? Let me know! 👇

#SlowCookerShortRibs #ShortRibsRecipe #SlowCookerRecipes #CrockpotRecipes #BeefShortRibs #RedWineGravy #SundayDinner #ComfortFood #SlowCookerMeals #FallOffTheBone #TenderBeef #EasyDinner #CrockpotCooking #BeefRecipes #SlowCookerDinner #ForkTender #DinnerRecipe #ComfortFoodRecipes #SlowCookerBeef #FamilyDinner #WineRecipes #BraisedBeef #SundaySupper #HomeCooking #DinnerIdeas #MeatRecipes #FoodBlogger #EasyRecipes #Foodie #DeliciousDinner
The EASIEST Pistachio Biscotti Recipe ☕🥜 Eve The EASIEST Pistachio Biscotti Recipe ☕🥜

Ever wondered how to make those fancy Italian cookies you see at the coffee shop? Turns out they're SO much easier than you think! 

These twice-baked pistachio biscotti are crunchy, nutty, and absolutely perfect for dunking into your morning coffee or afternoon espresso.

Here's why you'll love this recipe:
✨ Simple ingredients you probably already have
✨ Pistachios add the perfect nutty flavor
✨ They stay fresh all week (hello, meal prep!)
✨ Make amazing homemade gifts

The secret? They're baked twice - first as a log, then sliced and baked again for that signature crunch. The almond extract brings out the pistachio flavor beautifully, and trust me, once you try dunking these into your coffee, you'll never go back!

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

Have you made biscotti before? What's your favorite flavor? Let me know! 👇

#PistachioBiscotti #BiscottiRecipe #ItalianCookies #CoffeeCookies #HomemadeBiscotti #PistachioRecipes #BakingFromScratch #ItalianBaking #DunkingCookies #CoffeePairing #EasyBaking #BiscottiLove #HomemadeCookies #PistachioDesserts #CookieRecipe #BakeAtHome #ItalianDesserts #CoffeeTime #FoodBlogger #RecipeOfTheDay #BakingBlog #DessertRecipes #NuttyDesserts #TwiceBaked #EspressoCookies #CrunchyCookies #HomemadeTreats #BakingInspiration #FoodPhotography #Cookies

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