holiday favorite

Pesto cheese roll sitting on a wooden plate with marinara sauce in the background for dipping

Pesto Cheese Rolls

plate of bananas foster french toast casserole on a plate with a bottle of syrup and a baking dish with casserole in the background, shot from the front

Bananas Foster French Toast Casserole

styled shot of Sweet Yeast Rolls on a plate with a bowl of Whipped Pumpkin Butter and a basket of rolls and a pumpkin in the background, shot from a side angle

Sweet Yeast Rolls with Whipped Pumpkin Butter

photo taken from the right side of oasted greek lemon potatoes sitting in a dark 9x13 pan

Greek Lemon Potatoes

styled shot of Chocolate Chip Cookies Bites with Fudge Frosting

Chocolate Chip Cookie Bites with Fudge Frosting

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CPA: Certified Pastry Aficionado

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

Powdered Sugar Doughnuts

doughnuts and sweet rolls· Easter· Holiday Favorites· pastries· Valentine's Day
February 12, 2023

Powdered Sugar Doughnuts – A classic, lightly spiced doughnuts is baked (not fried) and then covered in powdered sugar. This recipe shows you how to make classic round doughnuts and also doughnut holes. I love a fresh, homemade doughnut. It just hits different when it’s that fresh, am I right?! When I want a great doughnut at home but not…
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close up of cherry almond couffle with a spoonful exposing the center

Cherry Almond Soufflé

dessert· Holiday Favorites· Valentine's Day
February 10, 2023

Cherry Almond Soufflé – Light almond cake sits atop a cherry compote that makes for a lovely, balanced dessert. We have only 4 days until Valentine’s Day. If you’ve let this day slip your mind and don’t have a reservation by now, I think you’ll be making dinner at home. But don’t worry! You can certainly make incredible food in…
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close up of chocolate coquito with a dollop of whipped cream on top and a dust of cinnamon and cocoa powder

Chocolate Coquito

drinks· Easter· Holiday Favorites
February 5, 2023

Chocolate Coquito – Creamy chocolate drink with a hint of coconut flavor and spiced rum. It’s a Christmas tradition that you can easily enjoy all year long. Today’s recipe is one that I had for the first time over the holidays. It’s a chocolate version of coquito. Coquito is Puerto Rican drink traditionally served at Christmas. It’s made with coconut…
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close up of raspberry almond muffin on a pink plate

Raspberry Almond Muffins

breakfast· Easter· muffins· pastries· Valentine's Day
January 29, 2023

Raspberry Almond Muffins – Yummy breakfast muffins made with all-purpose flour and almond flour and loaded with fresh raspberries. Who says Valentine’s Day treats have to be all chocolate and cakes? Why not something fun for breakfast? These Raspberry Almond Muffins have just the right about of pink color to make them perfect for the February holiday. And best of…
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close up of banana chocolate chip cookies covered in chocolate chips and a few candied walnuts

Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies

Cookies· dessert
January 22, 2023

Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies – Banana cookies loaded with candied walnuts and covered in regular and large semi-sweet chips Today’s recipe inspiration comes from a cookie that stole my heart over the holidays. We were in Orlando and I finally got the chance to try Gideon’s Bakehouse, a famous bakery in Orlando known for their nearly half-pound cookies loaded with…
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close up pf cajun shrimp stew in a shallow bowl with a scoop of white rice on top

Cajun Shrimp Stew

soup· Tailgating Recipes
January 19, 2023

Cajun Shrimp Stew – Hearty stew is made with a basic roux, Cajun spices, potatoes, and shrimp. It’s a perfect soup for those cold nights and to celebrate Mardi Gras! A comforting stew is just what you need on those cold winter nights. But I’m a little bored of the typical beef stew. With Mardi Gras around the corner, I…
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slice of pistachio loaf on a cutting board with the rest of the loaf in the background

Pistachio Loaf

bread· breakfast· cake· dessert· Easter· Fall Flavors· Holiday Favorites· pastries· snacks
January 15, 2023

Pistachio Loaf – Real pistachios are ground and added to olive oil, eggs, sugar, flour, and a hint of almond extract to make this gorgeous loaf that is great for dessert or afternoon tea. I’ve spent the last 2 weeks getting back into healthy mode. But now it’s time for a break. Bring on the cake! I have a delicious…
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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

Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes

a plate with a slice of stone fruit tart and slices of fruit in the background, shot from the front

Stone Fruit Tart

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

pumpkin cinnamon pull apart loaf with a center slice visable

Pumpkin Cinnamon Pull Apart Loaf

a slice of peach upside down cake on a white plate with the rest of the cake in the background

Peach Upside-down Cake

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

Pumpkin Cheesecake Macarons

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This Cacio e Pepe Pasta Risotto changed my pasta g This Cacio e Pepe Pasta Risotto changed my pasta game forever!

After having mind-blowing cacio e pepe at Eataly in Boston, I became obsessed with recreating it at home. But here's the problem: the traditional recipe only makes small portions. So I had a lightbulb moment – what if I cooked it risotto-style to feed a crowd?!

The result? Pure magic. By cooking short pasta (I use ditalini!) slowly in chicken broth, you get an ultra-creamy, luscious texture without any cream. Just simple Italian ingredients: Pecorino Romano cheese, fresh black pepper, butter, and good olive oil.

Here's what makes this amazing:
✨ Feeds a crowd (perfect for dinner parties!)
✨ Only 7 ingredients, but packed with flavor
✨ Takes 30 minutes but worth every second
✨ Creamy without any cream

The key? Using the BEST ingredients – fresh ground black pepper and quality extra virgin olive oil make all the difference. And cooking that pepper in the oil at the beginning? That's what gives it that signature cacio e pepe punch!

Pro tip: Dice those onions super small so they don't overpower each bite. Trust me on this one

Ready to make restaurant-quality Italian pasta at home? Comment "PASTA" below and I'll send the full recipe to your DMs! 

#cacioepepe #pastarisotto #italianfood #pastarecipes #dinnerparty
Black Forest Cupcakes are the ultimate delight! R Black Forest Cupcakes are the ultimate delight!

Rich chocolate cupcakes stuffed with amaretto-roasted cherry compote, topped with fresh whipped cream and a chocolate-dipped cherry. They're basically the fancy cupcake version of the classic German cake, and they're absolutely stunning!

Here's what you need to know:
✨ Made with FRESH cherries (it's their peak season!)
✨ Amaretto instead of Kirsch for better flavor
✨ Three delicious components: cake + filling + topping
✨ Easier than they look – just takes some time

Fun fact: The chocolate represents the Black Forest, while the red and white represent traditional colors worn by women of that region. How beautiful is that? 

These are perfect for gatherings, BBQs, or whenever you want to impress someone with an elegant dessert. Multiple people said these were devoured within 2 days – and I totally believe them!

Pro tip: Make sure everything is completely cooled before assembling, or you'll have a melty mess on your hands 

Ready to make cherry season magic? Comment "CHERRIES" below and I'll send the full recipe straight to your DMs!

#blackforestcake #cherryseason #chocolatecupcakes #summerrecipes #elegantdesserts
The secret to getting kids to eat their veggies? W The secret to getting kids to eat their veggies? Wrap them in puff pastry and cheese.

These Broccoli Cheese Pinwheels are a total game-changer in our house. My kids never want vegetables (ok, who are we kidding – NO kid does), but these? They gobble them up without a single complaint!

Here's what makes them amazing:
✨ Only 4 ingredients – puff pastry, cream cheese, broccoli, and shredded cheese
✨ Ready in 30 minutes from start to finish
✨ Perfect for snacks, lunch boxes, or appetizers
✨ Can make them meal-sized or appetizer-sized

The flaky puff pastry + creamy cheese + tender broccoli combo is chef's kiss. One follower said these were gone in SECONDS at their party and everyone wanted the recipe!

Pro tip: Add some shredded chicken to make these a complete meal!

Want the full recipe with all my tips for perfect pinwheels? Comment "PINWHEELS" below and I'll send it straight to your DMs!

#kidfriendlyrecipes #healthysnacks #puffpastry #pinwheels #hiddenveggie
Pull-apart perfection in every bite! This Apple Pull-apart perfection in every bite! 

This Apple Cinnamon Monkey Bread is the ultimate fall treat – fluffy balls of sweet dough stuffed with warm cinnamon apples, rolled in cinnamon sugar, and baked with a sticky brown sugar glaze. It's basically like a giant apple fritter you can pull apart with your hands!

Apple picking season is actually at its peak RIGHT NOW (did you think it was October too?!) so this is the perfect recipe to make with all those fresh apples 🍏

Here's what you need to know:
✨ Easier than you think – yeast dough isn't scary!
✨ 40 little dough balls = maximum pull-apart fun
✨ Each bite has warm cinnamon apples inside
✨ That brown sugar goo? Chef's kiss

Pro tip: Use a nonstick Bundt pan and grease it REALLY well. Trust me on this one.

Perfect for weekend brunch, holiday mornings, or honestly any time you want to impress your people. One follower said her 5-year-old declared this is what they're giving Santa – so you KNOW it's good!

Want the full recipe with all my tips and tricks? Comment "APPLES" below and I'll send it straight to your DMs! 

#monkeybread #applecinnamon #fallbaking #applerecipes #brunchideas
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

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