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CPA: Certified Pastry Aficionado

Roasted Pear Baked Brie

Roasted Pear Baked Brie

appetizer· Holiday Favorites
October 11, 2021

Roasted Pear Baked Brie – Bartlett pears are roasted with fresh thyme, walnuts, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and honey and…
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Pepperoni Totchos

Pepperoni Totchos

appetizer· snacks· Tailgating Recipes
September 9, 2021

Pepperoni Totchos – Tater tots are tossed in an herb butter, covered with mozzarella cheese and mini pepperoni and served…
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Shrimp & Crab Cake

Shrimp & Crab Cake

appetizer· Easter· seafood· seafood entrees· Summertime Favorites
August 6, 2021

Shrimp & Crab Cake – Lump crab is mixed with pieces of shrimp and breadcrumbs and pan fried to make…
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Healthy Onion Dip

Healthy Onion Dip

appetizer· snacks· Summertime Favorites· Tailgating Recipes
May 14, 2021

Healthy Onion Dip – A dip made from roasted onions, garlic, lemon juice and Greek yogurt will be your favorite…
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Wild Rice Salad

Wild Rice Salad

appetizer· Easter· salad· sides· Summertime Favorites· Tailgating Recipes
April 15, 2021

Wild Rice Salad – Hearty wild rice is tossed in a tangy vinaigrette with dried cranberries, sliced almonds, corn, and…
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Firecracker Meatballs

Firecracker Meatballs

appetizer· Tailgating Recipes
April 8, 2021

Firecracker Meatballs – Mini pork meatballs with yummy Asian fusion flavors are coated in a spicy cream sauce and perfect…
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Apple Pecan Farro Salad

Apple Pecan Farro Salad

appetizer· Easter· Fall Flavors· salad· Summertime Favorites
March 29, 2021

Apple Pecan Farro Salad – Tender farro grains are tossed with a homemade apple cider vinaigrette, pecans, dried cranberries, and…
Read More

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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 two glasses of sangria with the pitcher in the background

Cranberry Apple Sangria

a trio of gingerbread souffles on a serving platter

Gingerbread Soufflé

styled shot of Sparkling Apple Cider Sangria

Sparkling Apple Cider Sangria

close up of potato dinner rolls on a wooden round serving platter

Potato Dinner Rolls

overhead shot of quinoa harvest salad on a plate

Quinoa Harvest Salad

close up of pretzel bread pudding slice on a plate in a pool of whiskey sauce

Pretzel Bread Pudding

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holiday favorite

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

Turkey Cranberry Pinwheels on a plate with sprigs of herbs in between the pinwheels, shot from overhead

Turkey Cranberry Pinwheels

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

Chocolate Hazelnut Toffee

mixed berry fool in a glass with a strawberry and mint garnish on top

Mixed Berry Fool

a pie plate of berry crumble pie, shot from overhead

Berry Crumble Pie

 

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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