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CPA: Certified Pastry Aficionado

Five Kitchen Tools I’m Thankful For This Year

Five Kitchen Tools I’m Thankful For This Year

baking tips
November 24, 2016

Five Kitchen Tools I’m Thankful For This Year – These are the five kitchen tools I am thankful for this…
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Six Kitchen Tools Every Beginning Baker Needs

Six Kitchen Tools Every Beginning Baker Needs

baking tips
September 15, 2016

*this post contains affiliate links Six Kitchen Tools Every Beginning Baker Needs – These are the tools you will most…
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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

closeup of mini pumpkin doughnut muffins with one with a bite out of it

Mini Pumpkin Doughnut Muffins

a glass dish with pumpkin cinnamon rolls in it with some missing from the center and a spatula with a pumpkin the background, shot from a side angle

Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

styled shot of Sweet Yeast Rolls on a plate with a bowl of Whipped Pumpkin Butter and a basket of rolls and a pumpkin in the background, shot from a side angle

Sweet Yeast Rolls with Whipped Pumpkin Butter

a trio of gingerbread souffles on a serving platter

Gingerbread Soufflé

front shot of pumpkin loaf cut into slices

My Favorite Pumpkin Loaf

overhead shot of slices of pear coffee cake

Pear Coffee Cake

ORDER MY NEW COOKBOOK NOW!

photo of entertaining made easy cookbook available for preorder now

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holiday favorite

Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes

picture of mixed berry almond tart dusted with powdered sugar shot at an angle from the front

Mixed Berry Almond Tart

styled shot of Monster Cookies

Monster Cookies

a plate of Peanut Butter Blossoms and a wrapped hershey kiss next to them and a pan of more cookies and hershey kisses in the background, shot from a side angle

Peanut Butter Blossoms

photo taken from the right side of oasted greek lemon potatoes sitting in a dark 9x13 pan

Greek Lemon Potatoes

 

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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