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CPA: Certified Pastry Aficionado

Classic Pot Roast

Classic Pot Roast

beef entrees· entrees
November 18, 2021

Classic Pot Roast – Chuck roast is slowly roasted in a jus made of beef broth, carrots, celery, and onions….
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My Favorite Meatloaf

My Favorite Meatloaf

beef entrees· entrees
June 28, 2021

My Favorite Meatloaf – This recipe for meatloaf is lean yet flavorful and uses ingredients that you already have available!…
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Mongolian Beef

Mongolian Beef

beef entrees· entrees
May 18, 2020

Mongolian Beef – Tender strips of beef and vegetables are cooked in a sweet and savory soy sauce and served…
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The Easiest Thai Chicken Curry

The Easiest Thai Chicken Curry

chicken entrees· entrees
May 8, 2020

The Easiest Thai Chicken Curry – This red curry chicken is so simple but oh so flavorful. And with the…
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Orange Chicken

Orange Chicken

chicken entrees· entrees· Valentine's Day
January 2, 2020

Orange Chicken – Chicken is fried in tempura batter and then tossed in a homemade sticky orange sauce to make…
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Cacio e Pepe Pasta Risotto

Cacio e Pepe Pasta Risotto

entrees· pizza & pasta· Valentine's Day
October 14, 2019

Cacio e Pepe Pasta Risotto – This classic Italian pasta dish made with fresh ground pepper and Pecorino Romano cheese,…
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Pork Gouda Burgers

Pork Gouda Burgers

entrees· pork entrees· sandwiches & wraps· Summertime Favorites
May 13, 2019

Pork Gouda Burgers – Burgers made from ground pork and topped with smoked gouda cheese, caramelized onions, and homemade garlic…
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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

close up of a serving bowl with sage and brown butter mashed sweet potatoes

Sage & Brown Butter Mashed Sweet Potatoes

a trio of gingerbread souffles on a serving platter

Gingerbread Soufflé

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

slices of iced pumpkin scones drizzled with frosting on a wire rack on top of parchment paper, shot from overhead

Iced Pumpkin Scones

Maple Pecan Scones

apple cinnamon monkey bread with a chunk out of it and sliced apples in front, shot from a side angle

Apple Cinnamon Monkey Bread

ORDER MY NEW COOKBOOK NOW!

photo of entertaining made easy cookbook available for preorder now

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holiday favorite

close up of potato dinner rolls on a wooden round serving platter

Potato Dinner Rolls

Fudge Striped Cookies on a wire rack drizzled chocolate, shot from a side angle

Fudge Striped Cookies

plate of Cinnamon Chocolate Chip Snowballs with one on top with a bite out of it and cinnamon sticks next to them, shot from the front

Cinnamon Chocolate Chip Snowballs

overhead shot of Cinnamon Roll Wreath

Cinnamon Roll Wreath

two powdered sugar doughnuts on a wood plate with more doughnuts in the background

Powdered Sugar Doughnuts

 

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
💾 SAVE for party planning
📤 SHARE with someone who loves empanadas!

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
💾 SAVE for dessert inspiration
📤 SHARE with ice cream lovers!

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
💾 SAVE for holiday desserts
📤 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
💾 SAVE for breakfast ideas
📤 SHARE with someone who loves banana bread!
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
💾 SAVE for soup season
📤 SHARE with someone who loves soup!

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