holiday favorite

a White Chocolate Cream Puff cut in half with the filling showing and a plate of cream puffs in the background and white chocolate chips around it, shot from a side angle

White Chocolate Cream Puffs

angled shot of french almond cakes sitting on a white plate

French Almond Cakes (Financiers)

stacked and spread out butter pecan macarons with crushed pecans spread around them, shot from a side angle

Butter Pecan Macarons

zoomed in shot of a piece of Vanilla Bean Cheesecake with a bite taken out of it with a plate of more cheesecake in the background, shot from the front

Vanilla Bean Cheesecake

two chocolate cherry crepes on a plate with powdered sugar dusted on top

Chocolate Cherry Crepes

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CPA: Certified Pastry Aficionado

Pigs in a Blanket Wreath on parchment paper with thyme sprigs and a dish of dipping sauce in the center with cans of dr pepper and plates in the background, shot from a side angle

Pigs in a Blanket Wreath

appetizer· Holiday Favorites· snacks· Tailgating Recipes
December 15, 2017

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #HomeGateChamp Pigs in a Blanket Wreath – Mini hot dogs wrapped in dough, arranged in a festive wreath, and baked to perfection. Served with Dr Pepper® honey mustard dipping sauce The holiday season may be in full-swing, but don’t let that make you…
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a mug of Raspberry Hot Chocolate topped with raspberries and marshmallows on a plate with more raspberries and marshmallows surrounding it on top of a plaid tablecloth, shot from the front

Raspberry Hot Chocolate

drinks· Holiday Favorites· Valentine's Day
December 11, 2017

Raspberry Hot Chocolate – Creamy homemade hot chocolate made with a fruity addition – fresh raspberries! Hot chocolate. It’s almost a necessity in winter time, right? Last year I made this incredible peanut butter hot chocolate, because, you know, I love all things peanut butter. But this year, I wanted to make a hot chocolate with another one of my…
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a plate of Peanut Butter Blossoms and a wrapped hershey kiss next to them and a pan of more cookies and hershey kisses in the background, shot from a side angle

Peanut Butter Blossoms

Cookies· dessert· Holiday Favorites
December 7, 2017

Peanut Butter Blossoms – Chewy, yet fluffy peanut butter cookies are baked and then topped with a milk chocolate Hershey Kiss. The perfect cookie for any occasion!  Yup, it’s another peanut butter cookie recipe. For those who are frequent readers of the blog, you know I love me some peanut butter – I eat a peanut butter sandwich everyday, for heaven’s sake! But I…
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a corner shot of a plate of Raspberry Almond Linzer Cookies with a shaker of powdered sugar in the background, shot from a side angle

Raspberry Almond Linzer Cookies

Cookies· Holiday Favorites· Valentine's Day
December 4, 2017

Raspberry Almond Linzer Cookies – Perfectly tart raspberry jam sandwiched between two buttery almond shortbread cookies December is finally here! My favorite month of the year – when holiday tunes are on blast, I spend ridiculous amounts of time cooking & baking, and diets go out the window. Hooray! And with this new month, you know what that means…a new…
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zoomed in shot of two bowls of salsa verde chicken chili sprinkled with cilatro on a cloth napkin, shot from a side angle

Salsa Verde Chicken Chili

chicken entrees· soup
November 30, 2017

Salsa Verde Chicken Chili – An incredibly comforting chicken chili made with shredded chicken and white beans and cooked in a hearty salsa verde broth It’s soup season, y’all! I’m so excited that I let a little of my southern flair show, there. That’s because I am so in love with cold weather and warm soup. Yummmmm. Last year, I started…
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a bowl of Classic Cannoli Dip sprinkled with chocolate chips with a whole chocolate chip cookie dipped into it and a plate of cookies next to it, shot from overhead

Classic Cannoli Dip

dessert· dips· snacks
November 27, 2017

Classic Cannoli Dip – A creamy dessert dip made from whipped cannoli filling using real marscapone cheese and served with chocolate chip cookies! Today’s recipe is the perfect accompaniment to any tailgate or “homegate.” We’re all about homegating – where we host a watch party with all of our friends. There’s nothing like watching a game on a couch with…
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a casserole dish of Berries & Cream Stuffed French Toast Casserole on top of a cloth napkin with a bowl of mixed berries next to it, shot from overhead

Berries & Cream Stuffed French Toast Casserole

breakfast· breakfast casseroles· Holiday Favorites· Valentine's Day
November 23, 2017

Berries & Cream Stuffed French Toast Casserole – Slices of French bread stuffed with fresh berries & cream cheese filling, covered in a custard mixture and baked until perfectly fluffy and slightly crispy on top.  I’ve always woken up with a sweet tooth. Ever since I was a little kid, I always preferred pancakes to eggs and bacon. I guess…
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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

overhead shot of pumpkin churros on a plate of cinnamon sugar

Pumpkin Churros

oatmeal rolls sitting on a baking sheet

Oatmeal Dinner Rolls

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

Sage & Brown Butter Mashed Sweet Potatoes

a plate of pie crust chips with a bowl of Salted Caramel Apple Pie Dip on it and a jar of caramel behind it, shot from a side angle

Salted Caramel Apple Pie Dip with Pie Crust Chips

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

Maple Pecan Scones

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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
💾 SAVE for holiday desserts
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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
💾 SAVE for soup season
📤 SHARE with someone who loves soup!

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