holiday favorite

a plate with an Almond Croissant on it with a baking sheet of more croissants on it with almonds sprinkled around the table, shot from a side angle

Almond Croissants

a pie plate of berry crumble pie, shot from overhead

Berry Crumble Pie

a stack of three pumpkin oatmeal cream pies on cotton napkins with a platter behind it with more pies in the background, shot from the front

Pumpkin Oatmeal Cream Pies

brooklyn blackout cupcakes

Brooklyn Blackout Cupcakes

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

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CPA: Certified Pastry Aficionado

zoomed in shot of Funfetti Whoopie Pies stacked on a plate

Funfetti Whoopie Pies

cake· Cookies· dessert
June 1, 2017

Funfetti Whoopie Pies – Soft and fluffy vanilla cake is loaded with sprinkles and sandwiched with creamy vanilla frosting to make a handheld version of a cupcake, also known as a whoopie pie. The perfect cookie that kids and adults will both enjoy! Welcome to June, guys! As I do at the beginning of every month, I have a brand-spanking new…
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overhead zoomed in shot of Easy Homemade Refrigerator Pickles in a glass jar

Easy Homemade Refrigerator Pickles

Popular Recipes· snacks· Summertime Favorites
May 25, 2017

Easy Homemade Refrigerator Pickles – A super-easy recipe for homemade pickles that cure right in your fridge so there’s no need to preserve them in jars. Ready in just a day or two, these classic dill pickles are made with garlic and dill and will be a welcomed addition to your summer time parties and barbecues! Memorial Day is so close…
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overhead styled shot of Avocado and Charred Corn Salad with Cilantro Ranch Dressing

Avocado and Charred Corn Salad with Cilantro Ranch Dressing

salad· Summertime Favorites
May 23, 2017

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #EchaleVida #VidaAguacate #CollectiveBias Avocado and Charred Corn Salad with Cilantro Ranch Dressing – A refreshing and filling salad, made with leafy greens, diced avocado, charred corn, pickled red onions, diced cucumbers, shredded Monterrey Jack cheese, and chopped cilantro, tossed with a homemade cilantro…
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overhead styled shot of Tomato & Whipped Feta Crostini on a platter and crostini on a cloth napkin on the side of the platter

Tomato & Whipped Feta Crostini

appetizer· snacks· Summertime Favorites
May 18, 2017

Tomato & Whipped Feta Crostini – Crispy baguette rounds spread with a creamy layer of lemony whipped feta cheese and topped with juicy cherry tomatoes soaked in a tangy vinaigrette. This is the best appetizer you will ever make – you won’t be able to stop eating it! Have you ever tried something that was so mind-blowingly incredible that it changes…
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styled shot of Red, White, & Blue Sangria in glasses and a pitcher with blueberries and strawberries scattered around on cloth napkins

Red, White, & Blue Sangria

drinks· Summertime Favorites
May 15, 2017

Red, White, & Blue Sangria – A refreshing white sangria made with dry white wine, brandy, and tons of strawberries and blueberries. It’s the best Patriotic drink to serve for Memorial Day, 4th of July, and all summer long! It wouldn’t be right to kick off the summer festivities without an awesome festive cocktail, am I right?! You guys know…
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styled shot of Pineapple & Melon Fruit Salad with Citrus Mint Dressing with a large bowl of salad and a jar of honey with a napkin under it

Pineapple & Melon Fruit Salad with Citrus Mint Dressing

appetizer· salad· sides· Summertime Favorites
May 11, 2017

Pineapple & Melon Fruit Salad with Citrus Mint Dressing – A super refreshing fruit salad made with watermelon, cantaloupe, honeydew, pineapple, orange segments, grapefruit segments, chopped mint, and a hint of honey. The perfect addition to any summer party, picnic, or BBQ!  The start of summer is just around the corner. That’s right, Memorial Day is in just 20 days,…
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overhead shot of Parmesan & Thyme Potatoes Au Gratin in a baking dish

Parmesan & Thyme Potatoes Au Gratin

Fall Flavors· sides
May 8, 2017

Parmesan & Thyme Potatoes Au Gratin – Thinly sliced russet potatoes layered in a casserole dish with heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and fresh thyme. This dish is so simple to make but is super impressive for any occasion! This week I spent some time at the Everything Food Conference in Salt Lake City. Did you see me document the whole thing…
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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 pretzel bread pudding slice on a plate in a pool of whiskey sauce

Pretzel Bread Pudding

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

Cinnamon Apple Kolaches

a stack of three pumpkin oatmeal cream pies on cotton napkins with a platter behind it with more pies in the background, shot from the front

Pumpkin Oatmeal Cream Pies

Roasted Brussel Sprouts in a baking dish with melted butter and a spoon in it, shot from a side angle

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Honey Mustard Vinaigrette

styled shot of Turkey Noodle Soup

Turkey Noodle Soup

pumpkin challah bread sliced with a knife

Pumpkin Challah Bread

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There was a rainy afternoon when I wandered into t There was a rainy afternoon when I wandered into the kitchen with nothing but a craving, and I ended up mixing melted chocolate, warm cinnamon, and muffin batter until something magical happened. 

That’s how these Cinnamon Chocolate Muffins came to life: rich chocolate, a whisper of cinnamon spice, and a crunchy cinnamon-sugar topping that makes every bite feel like comfort.

They remind me of cozy mornings, a cup of coffee, and the kind of treat you tell yourself you deserve.

https://www.certifiedpastryaficionado.com/cinnamon-chocolate-muffins/
There’s something about the first cool morning o There’s something about the first cool morning of fall that just feels different. 🍂

You step outside, the air is crisp, the leaves have that faint earthy smell… and suddenly all you want is pumpkin spice, warm muffins, and cozy socks.

Mini Pumpkin Doughnut Muffins - They’re soft, cakey, perfectly spiced, and coated in buttery cinnamon sugar. It’s like a pumpkin doughnut met a muffin and decided to make your morning ten times better. 

The best part? They’re baked, not fried, which means you can totally justify having more than one. 

If you love fall baking, these muffins are a must-try. Whether you’re bringing them to a brunch, sharing them with family, or just sneaking one with your morning coffee, they’ll make your kitchen smell like pure happiness. 

Would you like me to send you the full recipe link directly here so you can save it for your next cozy baking day? 🍁 Just comment PUMPKIN below and I’ll send it straight to your DMs!

#minipumpkindoughnutmuffins #pumpkindessert #fallbaking #pumpkinmuffins #cinnamonsugar
There’s something about digging into a bowl of s There’s something about digging into a bowl of soup that reminds you of cozy evenings. The soft glow of the kitchen light, the aroma of buttery potatoes, cheese melting, and bacon crisping.

This loaded potato soup is all of that and more: tender chunks of potato, a rich creamy base, sharp cheddar, smoky bacon, green onions popping with flavor. It’s hearty comfort food at its finest.

It started on a night when I needed something substantial, something that felt like a hug in a bowl, and this soup answered the call.

Would you rather serve yours with an extra drizzle of melted cheese on top or let it sit so the flavors mingle?

comments “POTATO SOUP” and I'll send you a recipe.

#loadedpotatosoup #potatosouprecipes #comfortfood #soupseason #onepotmeals
There’s something about the moment you press pea There’s something about the moment you press peanut butter into soft chocolate dough. It’s like two flavors finally realizing they belong together.

I first experimented with chocolate + peanut butter cookies late one winter evening, trying to recreate that bakery magic I remembered from childhood. 

When the first batch came out warm, chewy, with that melt-in-your-mouth peanut butter swirl… I knew I had a new favorite.

These Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies are rich, indulgent, and downright comforting, perfect with a glass of milk or a cu#bakedtreats 

Comment COOKIES and I'll send you a link to the recipe. 

#chocolatepeanutbuttercookies #peanutbutterchocolate #homemadecookies #cookieoftheday #bakedtreats
Some of the best meals come from desperation—and Some of the best meals come from desperation—and this Chili Mac & Cheese was born on one of those nights. I had leftover chili and boxes of pasta, and I thought “why not combine them?”

What came out was something magical: creamy cheese sauce folding into hearty chili, elbow macaroni soaking up every bit of flavor, topped with melty cheese and baked to a golden crust. It’s comfort food squared.

This is my go-to when I want something filling, nostalgic, and totally satisfying.

Comment “MAC” and I'll send you a recipe.

#chilimacandcheese #comfortfood #onepotmeals #macandcheese #chilirecipe

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