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CPA: Certified Pastry Aficionado

Peanut Butter Explosion Milkshake

Peanut Butter Explosion Milkshake

dessert· drinks· ice cream· National Ice Cream Month
July 31, 2023

Peanut Butter Explosion Milkshake – A homemade milkshake loaded with peanut butter and decorated with Reese’s Pieces and Reese’s Peanut…
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Tiramisu Sundae

Tiramisu Sundae

ice cream· National Ice Cream Month
July 24, 2023

Tiramisu Sundae – Vanilla bean ice cream is placed on top of coffee-soaked lady fingers and finished with mascarpone whipped…
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Chili Mango Sorbet

Chili Mango Sorbet

ice cream· National Ice Cream Month
July 21, 2023

Chili Mango Sorbet – Fresh mango, lime juice, lime zest, and a little chili powder are blended together and then…
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Blackberry Vanilla Ice Cream

Blackberry Vanilla Ice Cream

ice cream· National Ice Cream Month
July 17, 2023

Blackberry Vanilla Ice Cream – Homemade vanilla ice cream is given a fruity addition of fresh blackberries. Happy belated National…
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Banana Split Parfait

Banana Split Parfait

dessert· ice cream· National Ice Cream Month
July 14, 2023

Banana Split Parfait – The classic banana split goes vertical! Strawberry, vanilla, and chocolate ice creams are topped with homemade…
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Strawberry Pound Cake Sundae

Strawberry Pound Cake Sundae

cake· dessert· ice cream· National Ice Cream Month· Summertime Favorites· Valentine's Day
July 6, 2023

Strawberry Pound Cake Sundae – A slice of buttery pound cake is grilled and then topped with vanilla bean ice…
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Bananas Foster Ice Cream

Bananas Foster Ice Cream

ice cream· National Ice Cream Month
July 3, 2023

Bananas Foster Ice Cream – Homemade vanilla ice cream is swirled with caramelized bananas with a hint of cinnamon July…
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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

styled shot of Sparkling Apple Cider Sangria

Sparkling Apple Cider Sangria

photo of cinnamon apple kolaches with granny smith apples in the background

Cinnamon Apple Kolaches

slice of carrot snack cake on a pink plate

Carrot Snack Cake

three Sweet Potato Cupcakes with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting on a platter with two cupcakes on a pedestal on top of cotton napkin with whole pecans sprinkled around, shot from a side angle

Sweet Potato Cupcakes with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

plate of Pumpkin Cheesecake Macarons with a gourd in the background, shot from the front

Pumpkin Cheesecake Macarons

slices of Pumpkin Banana Bread on a cotton napkin with walnuts sprinkled around and bananas in the background, shot from a side angle

Pumpkin Banana 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 banana fritter with a bite removed sitting on a plate with other banana fritters

Banana Fritters

a bowl of Butterscotch Vanilla Bean Sauce with a spoon in it and a bowl of brown sugar with a spoon in it on a cloth napkin, shot from a side angle

Butterscotch Vanilla Bean Sauce

a plate with stacked strawberry white chocolate eclairs, shot from the front

Strawberry White Chocolate Eclairs

a slice of victoria sandwich cake with a bite remove and a few crumbs on the plate

Victoria Sandwich Cake

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

Apple Cinnamon Monkey Bread

 

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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