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CPA: Certified Pastry Aficionado

Mexican Street Corn Queso

Mexican Street Corn Queso

appetizer· dips· snacks· Summertime Favorites· Tailgating Recipes
April 30, 2020

Mexican Street Corn Queso – Creamy white queso is cooked with green chiles and roasted corn to make for a…
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Cheesy Crab Dip

Cheesy Crab Dip

appetizer· dips· snacks· Summertime Favorites· Tailgating Recipes
April 10, 2020

Cheesy Crab Dip – Fresh lump crab meat is tossed with cream cheese, Old Bay seasoning, fresh lemon juice, and…
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Chicken Philly Quesadillas

Chicken Philly Quesadillas

appetizer· chicken entrees· Summertime Favorites· Tailgating Recipes
March 19, 2020

Chicken Philly Quesadillas – Tortillas are stuffed with cooked chicken, melted Provolone cheese, and tender onions & peppers. Great for…
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Turkey Cranberry Pinwheels

Turkey Cranberry Pinwheels

Easter· Holiday Favorites· sandwiches & wraps· snacks· Summertime Favorites· Tailgating Recipes
November 21, 2019

Turkey Cranberry Pinwheels – Leftover turkey is rolled into a wrap with a cranberry rosemary cream cheese spread and dried…
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Garlic Parmesan Pull-Apart Bread

Garlic Parmesan Pull-Apart Bread

appetizer· bread· pizza & pasta· Popular Recipes· Tailgating Recipes
October 10, 2019

Garlic Parmesan Pull-Apart Bread – Homemade pizza dough is tossed with herbs, butter, garlic, and Parmesan cheese, and then baked…
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Creamy Skillet Corn Dip

Creamy Skillet Corn Dip

appetizer· dips· snacks· Summertime Favorites· Tailgating Recipes
September 19, 2019

Creamy Skillet Corn Dip – Fresh corn is mixed with fresh jalapenos, cream cheese, sour cream, and Monterrey jack cheese…
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Buffalo Chicken Pockets

Buffalo Chicken Pockets

appetizer· chicken entrees· Tailgating Recipes
September 9, 2019

Buffalo Chicken Pockets – Homemade pizza dough is stuffed with chicken, buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, and cheese and baked into…
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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

overhead shot of slices of pear coffee cake

Pear Coffee Cake

overhead shot of spiced carrots on a bed of whipped feta dip

Spiced Carrots with Whipped Feta

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

Cranberry Apple Sangria

pint glass of pumpkin cream cold brew coffee with a metal straw

Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew

Pumpkin Tres Leches

Maple Pecan Scones

ORDER MY NEW COOKBOOK NOW!

photo of entertaining made easy cookbook available for preorder now

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holiday favorite

zoomed in shot of min fruit tarts, shot from a side angle

Classic Fruit Tarts

a plate of Slow Cooker Short Ribs with sprigs of thyme on top, shot from a side angle

Slow Cooker Short Ribs

zoomed in shot of a plate of stacked chocolate gingerbread truffles with one with a bite out of it, shot from a side angle

Chocolate Gingerbread Truffles

Soft Frosted Sugar Cookies on a baking sheet with sprinkles on top

Soft, Frosted Sugar Cookies

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

Pumpkin Cinnamon Crunch Muffins

 

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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