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CPA: Certified Pastry Aficionado

About Me

As Featured In:

Welcome to Certified Pastry Aficionado, or CPA for short. Thanks for stopping by! My name is Sharon and I am, yes, you guessed it…a CPA. That stands for Certified Public Accountant. I spent a few years as a public accountant, and now I currently work as a regional controller at a large paper company in Atlanta, GA. I live with my husband, Tyson, and my two children, who are my favorite taste testers. We have the sweetest little kitties, Autumn and Dorito. I take way too many pictures of them, but, in my defense, they are cute wayyyy too many times.

Sharon And Her Husband Tyson, Next To Her Two Kittens.

About the Blog

I’ve been baking since I can remember. I actually still have the first cookbook I ever received when I was about 10 years old. Ever since then, I’ve been the happiest in the kitchen. I’d use any opportunity to make things for friends and family – Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, birthdays, and even to impress my coworkers at a new job.

When I first starting working at a public accounting firm after college, I would bring in treats for all my coworkers to munch on. Being a single girl in the city, it gave me a reason to bake tons of stuff without gaining thousands of pounds, plus baking was the best stress-reliever. A coworker suggested that I blog about the things I make and give tips to bakers just like me. And, alas, the blog was born!

On the blog, you can find anything and everything that I love to eat. I never post a recipe that I am not whole-heartedly obsessed with. Therefore, most of the recipes you’ll find are indulgent and rich and even sinful. This includes: yummy pasta dishes, comforting soups, all things sweet, boozy drinks, and, most of all, carbs. This doesn’t mean I don’t post healthy food, but flavor comes first. If it ain’t yummy, I ain’t sharing it.

I make a mixture of easy and challenging recipes. But I pride myself on the helpful tips I give at the end of every post to encourage cooks and bakers of all strengths to give these recipes a try. No one should ever feel that they’re not experienced enough to make the food they crave. So my goal with each post is to empower people to give the recipe a try.

And don’t worry; not everything I make will test your baking limits. My husband’s favorite things are chocolate chip cookies and cinnamon anything so I will be working on the classics just as much : )

I also love taking suggestions! I’ll bake anything and everything. So please…send me any recipes you’d like to see me make and I’ll document every step of the way!

More About Me

I’m a graduate of the University of Florida (Go Gators!). I moved to Atlanta after graduation for work from sunny ole Florida I met my amazing husband shortly after and we were married in 2015. We are two goofballs in love and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

I probably use more exclamation points and emoticons than a teenage girl, I spend way too much time stalking food pics on Instagram, I love to spend time on the couch, binge-watching Netflix, and I have the compulsive-need to walk down every aisle of the grocery store.

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Here are some pictures from our wedding (taken by Carrie Joy Photography):

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Atlanta is a mecca for Southern food. I was so pleasantly surprised to find some of the best food that I’ve ever had right here in Atlanta. You’ll find me document a lot of my food journeys on my Instagram, as well posts about my baking journeys. Check me out!

You can also follow me on:

  • Facebook
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  • Twitter
  • Foodgawker

Or shoot me an email: [email protected]

Favorite foods: rustic pizza, s’mores, macarons (especially pistachio), blackberries, almond croissants, salted caramel, hazelnuts, a good steak, anything with vinegar, goat cheese, coffee, chocolate chip cookies, most types of cobbler, Oreos (NOT double stuff).

Least favorite foods (and even foods I despise!): fennel, olives, artichoke hearts, black licorice, cooked broccoli, canned green beans, chocolate and orange paired together, tea, cardamom, desserts made with florals (sorry rosewater).

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

styled shot of Salted Caramel Apple Pie Parfaits with a pan of pie and a can of whipped cream behind it

Salted Caramel Apple Pie Parfaits

Pecan Pie Brownies

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

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

Chocolate Snickerdoodles

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

Pumpkin Fettuccine with Sundried Tomatoes

styled shot of of Salted Caramel Ice Cream in a glass dish with an ice cream scooper with sugar cones and a full ice cream cone next to it and a jar and spoon of caramel sauce

Salted Caramel Ice Cream

ORDER MY NEW COOKBOOK NOW!

photo of entertaining made easy cookbook available for preorder now

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holiday favorite

whole nutella cream pie shot from an overhead angle

Nutella Cream Pie

bailey cheesecake brownie bites on a dessert plate with one missing a bite to expose the creamy center

Baileys Cheesecake Brownie Bites

a whisking bowl with Garlic & Olive Oil Mashed Potatoes with a wooden spoon in it, shot from overhead

Garlic & Olive Oil Mashed Potatoes

Sausage Egg & Cheese Pastry Muffins on a platter with a sprig of rosemary, shot from a side angle

Sausage, Egg, & Cheese Pastry Muffins

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

Maple Molasses Cookies

 

The FLUFFIEST sweet yeast rolls you'll ever make! The FLUFFIEST sweet yeast rolls you'll ever make!

These beauties are perfectly soft, subtly sweet, and paired with the most incredible whipped pumpkin butter (butter + pumpkin + cinnamon + honey = heaven!).

My husband said these are the best rolls he's ever had, and trust me—he doesn't give compliments lightly 😄

Here's why you need to make these:
✨ Easier than you think (no fancy skills needed!)
✨ Perfectly fluffy and chewy texture
✨ That whipped pumpkin butter is ADDICTIVE
✨ Make ahead and freeze for up to 2 months

Whether it's Thanksgiving, Christmas, or just a cozy family dinner, these rolls will steal the show. The secret? Scalded milk for maximum fluffiness and making sure they're touching in the pan before baking.

Want the full recipe with step-by-step instructions? Comment "ROLLS" below and I'll send it straight to your DMs! 💌
#homemadebread #yeastrolls #thanksgivingrecipes #holidaybaking #pumpkinrecipes
Restaurant-Quality Sirloin at Home! This sirloin Restaurant-Quality Sirloin at Home! 

This sirloin with creamy onion blue cheese sauce is EVERYTHING! Tender grilled steak topped with a rich, savory sauce made from caramelized onions, heavy cream, Worcestershire, and blue cheese crumbles. It tastes like a fancy steakhouse dinner but you can make it at home!

Why you'll LOVE this recipe:
✨ Restaurant-quality results
✨ Only 6 simple ingredients
✨ That sauce is INCREDIBLE
✨ Perfect for grilling season
✨ Date night or special occasions
✨ Can grill OR cook indoors

Here's what makes this special: the sauce! 

It's made with just 4 ingredients - butter, onions, cream, Worcestershire, and blue cheese. The onions get caramelized until they're sweet and slightly charred, then you add cream and let it thicken, finish with blue cheese crumbles that melt into the most incredible creamy, savory sauce! 

I love ordering steak at fancy steakhouses, but with this recipe, I can recreate that experience at home! Sirloin is more affordable than filet but still tender and delicious. And that sauce? It takes it to the NEXT level! 

Pro tips:
🔸 Use a meat thermometer (no guessing!)
🔸 Bring steak to room temp before cooking
🔸 Let steak rest 5-10 min before slicing
🔸 Lower heat before adding cream
🔸 Not a blue cheese fan? Use half the amount!

This is perfect for Father's Day, date night at home, or any time you want to treat yourself to something special! Serve it sliced on a platter for elegant presentation or as individual steaks. Either way, that sauce is EVERYTHING! 

Want the full recipe? Comment STEAK below and I'll send it straight to your DMs! 

#SirloinSteak #BlueCheeseSauce #SteakDinner #GrillingRecipes #SteakRecipes #FancyDinner
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

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