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CPA: Certified Pastry Aficionado

Bakery-Style Chocolate Chip Muffins

Bakery-Style Chocolate Chip Muffins

breakfast· cake· dessert· Easter· muffins
March 29, 2024

Bakery-style Chocolate Chip Muffins – Sky-high muffins are loaded with mini chocolate chips, a perfect round dome on top, and…
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Brooklyn Blackout Cupcakes

Brooklyn Blackout Cupcakes

cake· dessert· Holiday Favorites· Uncategorized· Valentine's Day
March 5, 2024

Brooklyn Blackout Cupcakes – Rich chocolate cupcakes are filled with homemade chocolate pudding and topped with fudge icing and cake…
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Strawberry Tres Leches

Strawberry Tres Leches

cake· dessert· Easter· Valentine's Day
February 19, 2024

Strawberry Tres Leches – Vanilla cake is soaked with strawberry milk and topped with fresh strawberries and freshly whipped cream….
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Chocolate Mousse Cake

Chocolate Mousse Cake

cake· dessert
January 24, 2024

Chocolate Mousse Cake – Rich chocolate cake is topped with homemade chocolate mousse and chocolate ganache to make for a…
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Nutella Cream Pie

Nutella Cream Pie

dessert· Holiday Favorites· pie· Valentine's Day
December 5, 2023

Nutella Cream Pie – This no-bake pie is made with Nutella, cream cheese, and whipped topping and then filled in…
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Grown-up Chocolate Chip Cookies

Grown-up Chocolate Chip Cookies

Cookies· dessert· snacks
October 9, 2023

Grown-up Chocolate Chip Cookies – Chocolate chip cookies loaded with finely chopped pistachios, walnuts, and dried cherries. A sprinkle of…
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Apple Pie Egg Rolls

Apple Pie Egg Rolls

dessert· doughnuts and sweet rolls· Fall Flavors· pie
September 26, 2023

Apple Pie Egg Rolls – Cinnamon apples are rolled into an egg roll wrapper with a little cream cheese and…
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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

plate of pecan sticky bun

Pecan Sticky Buns

photo of two glasses of sangria with the pitcher in the background

Cranberry Apple Sangria

styled shot of Turkey Noodle Soup

Turkey Noodle Soup

overhead shot of quinoa harvest salad on a plate

Quinoa Harvest Salad

a stack of three Apple Cider Crumb Doughnuts on a cloth napkin with more doughnuts around them, shot from the front

Apple Cider Crumb Doughnuts

portion of sweet potato gratin being removed from casserole dish, revealing gooey center

Sweet Potato Gratin

ORDER MY NEW COOKBOOK NOW!

photo of entertaining made easy cookbook available for preorder now

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holiday favorite

overhead shot of partially eaten baked carrot cake oatmeal in casserole dish with serving spoon

Baked Carrot Cake Oatmeal

a plate with an Almond Croissant on it with a baking sheet of more croissants on it with almonds sprinkled around the table, shot from a side angle

Almond Croissants

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

a trio of gingerbread souffles on a serving platter

Gingerbread Soufflé

zoomed in shot of orange-scented madelines on a white plate

Orange-Scented Madeleines

 

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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