holiday favorite

Black & White Bundt Cake

two copper mugs filled with holiday mule drinks and a pitcher in the background

Holiday Mule

a short glass with a gold rim filled with cherry bourbon spritz and a garnish of rosemary twig

Cherry Bourbon Spritz

Cheeseball Bites

plate of stack of pistachio pancakes with a bite of them on a fork with pistachios sprinkled around on a cloth napkin, shot from overhead

Pistachio Pancakes

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CPA: Certified Pastry Aficionado

classic coffee cake on a plate with a tray of coffee cake in the background

Classic Crumb Cake

cake· Easter
September 1, 2016

Classic Crumb Cake – This crumb cake is heavenly! The cake is super moist but slightly dense. The crumb topping is full of rich butter and cinnamon goodness. Together, these two elements make an unforgettable cake that you’ll want to have any time of the day! Food has been a major part of my life for as long as I…
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garlic herb rolls in a cast iron pan with a roll on a plate

Garlic Herb Rolls

bread
August 29, 2016

Garlic Herb Rolls – Super soft garlic rolls that are made with a dried Italian herb. They are perfect for soaking up excess pasta sauce on spaghetti nights or dunking in your hearty soups One thing I learned very fast when I began dating my now-husband is that his mom’s traditional tomato sauce recipe is no joke. It was a…
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3-Ingredient Oreo Truffles in a bowl with Oreas and a glass of milk

3-Ingredient Oreo Truffles

candy
August 25, 2016

3-Ingredient Oreo Truffles – A quick and easy recipe for amazing chocolate Oreo truffles, made with crushed Oreos, cream cheese, and melted chocolate. You’re going to be shocked at how incredible these truffles are! I am no longer the only member of my family inhabiting the state of Georgia. My older sister and her family moved nearby this past weekend from Florida! It’s…
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chicken cut up on a plate with pasta and a pan of chicken and pasta

Easy Chicken Pasta with White Wine Sauce

chicken entrees
August 21, 2016

Easy Chicken Pasta with White Wine Sauce – When you don’t feel like making anything fancy, here’s an easy weeknight meal that will be done in no time! Last weekend, we spent a glorious time in Las Vegas. Our first time! It was quite an adventure. And quite exhausting. That heat really took it out of me! It was over…
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overhead shot of Reese's Pieces Peanut Butter Cookies with reese's pieces candies and chocolate chips sprinkled around them

Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter Cookies

Cookies
August 18, 2016

Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter Cookies – Soft and dense peanut butter cookies, with chocolate chips and Reese’s pieces candy. A chewy cookie that kids and adults will both love! I’ve always had a weakness for peanut butter and chocolate together. Whether it’s peanut butter cups, buckeyes, ice cream, or pie, my sweet tooth yearns for anything that combines these two glorious…
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a slice of Atlantic Beach Pie on a plate

Atlantic Beach Pie

Easter· pie· Summertime Favorites
August 14, 2016

Atlantic Beach Pie – A summertime pie that tastes like lemon meringue, but made with a saltine cracker crust The idea for this post came for my absolute-favorite flavor of ice cream right now. It’s Atlantic Beach Pie from Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams. They have 3 locations in Atlanta and many other around the country. I am absolutely obsessed with…
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a cherry handpie on a plate that is cut in half

Glazed Cherry Hand Pies

Easter· pie· Summertime Favorites· Valentine's Day
August 11, 2016

Glazed Cherry Hand Pies – Super flaky pie crust stuffed with sweet cherry filling and finished with a sweet glaze I am a big fan of desserts that are in small portions. It’s almost like I feel better about indulging if I can fit it in my hand. Is that weird? So it’s no surprise that I am making another…
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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

a hand holding up a maple molasses cookie to show all the detailed cracks in the top of the cookie

Maple Molasses Cookies

overhead shot of bright pumpkin fettuccine on a white plate with sundried tomatoes and wilted spinach throughout

Pumpkin Fettuccine with Sundried Tomatoes

a slice of chocolate pecan pie on a plate with another plate of pie in the background, shot from a side angle

Chocolate Pecan Pie

carrot raisin muffins stacked on top of each other and sitting on a purple plate

Carrot Raisin Muffins

sweet potato biscuits on parchment paper with butter to the side and a cast iron pan of more biscuits in it, shot from a side angle

Sweet Potato Biscuits

zoomed in shot of chocolate snickerdoodles on parchment paper with a spoon in front, shot from a side angle

Chocolate Snickerdoodles

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Beef Empanadas – flaky pie dough filled with cum Beef Empanadas – flaky pie dough filled with cumin-spiced beef and tomato mixture!

These are perfect for Cinco de Mayo, you guys! Small party-perfect size (makes about 20!) with super flavorful filling that's NOT spicy – everyone will love them! 😍

Made with my classic pie dough for the flakiest crust, then filled with seasoned beef, onions, and tomatoes!

Pro tip: Make sure to chill the dough before rolling it out – this lets it rest and firm up so it gets nice and flaky while baking!

Perfect for Cinco de Mayo parties, game day, meal prep, or anytime you want delicious hand-held snacks!

💬 Comment "EMPANADAS" for the recipe
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https://www.certifiedpastryaficionado.com/beef-empanadas
Apple Pie Sundae – cinnamon crumble ice cream to Apple Pie Sundae – cinnamon crumble ice cream topped with caramelized cinnamon apples, pie crust chips, and caramel sauce to make a fun way to eat your favorite pie! 

You guys, this is apple pie DECONSTRUCTED! All the flavors you love but in sundae form! 

I was inspired by a restaurant dessert but knew I could take it up a few notches! I added crispy pie crust chips and caramel sauce (because apples + caramel = perfection!), and the result is INCREDIBLE!

Pro tip: Use a cast-iron skillet to caramelize the apples – it gives them better color and flavor than a non-stick pan! And cook them just 8-10 minutes so they still have bite and aren't mushy!

Perfect for National Ice Cream Month, summer treats, fall desserts, or anytime you want apple pie without baking a whole pie! 🥧

💬 Comment "APPLESUNDAE" for the recipe
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https://www.certifiedpastryaficionado.com/apple-pie-sundae/
Chocolate Cream Pie – flaky pie crust baked to p Chocolate Cream Pie – flaky pie crust baked to perfection, filled with chocolate pudding, and topped with fresh whipped cream that won't wilt!

This is THE pie to make if you're trying to switch up your holiday traditions, you guys! Sometimes you need a break from pumpkin pie and pecan pie!

The genius secret? Unflavored gelatin in the whipped cream makes it stable so it won't wilt or melt – you can make this ahead!

Pro tip: Add the hot milk to the eggs VERY slowly or the eggs will scramble and the pudding will get lumpy!

Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, Valentine's Day, Easter, or anytime you want chocolate cream perfection! 

https://www.certifiedpastryaficionado.com/chocolate-cream-pie

💬 Comment "CHOCPIE" for the recipe
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📤 SHARE with someone who loves chocolate pie!
Banana Bread Granola – oats tossed with pecans, Banana Bread Granola – oats tossed with pecans, walnuts, banana puree, honey, and cinnamon to make a crunchy snack that tastes (and smells!) just like banana bread! 🍌

I never thought homemade granola would be worth the effort, you guys! But the effort is minimal and the end result is SO worth it! 

My favorite part? The SMELL! When it bakes, the banana and cinnamon create an aroma almost exactly like baking banana bread – it's intoxicating!

Pro tip: You MUST use super ripe bananas for this recipe – they have more sugar so you don't need tons of honey!

Perfect for breakfast bowls, yogurt topping, snacking, or anytime you want banana bread in granola form! 

https://www.certifiedpastryaficionado.com/banana-bread-granola/

💬 Comment "GRANOLA" for the recipe
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Poblano Corn Chowder – a creamy corn chowder loa Poblano Corn Chowder – a creamy corn chowder loaded with poblano peppers, Yukon gold potatoes, and sharp cheddar cheese! 🌶️🌽

Cold weather means SOUP SEASON, you guys! And this chowder is the perfect comfort food! Made in a jiffy and super creamy without tons of heavy cream!

The secret? A roux thickens the chowder so regular milk makes it nice and creamy!
Pro tip: Don't skip the Yukon gold potatoes – they're much more tender and creamy than Russett or red potatoes!

Perfect for cold winter nights, cozy dinners, or anytime you need a warm hug in a bowl!

https://www.certifiedpastryaficionado.com/poblano-corn-chowder/
💬 Comment "CHOWDER" for the recipe
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📤 SHARE with someone who loves soup!

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