nice to meet you
Everybody has a love language. Making others feel valued, cared for, and at home is mine. And, apparently, I speak fluent food, because I’m rarely more in my element than when I’m planning and cooking for a big party or baking special treats to share with those I love.
Hi, I’m Grandpa Aaron and I live in Portland, Oregon with my husband, Hugh (a.k.a. Grandfather). Like each of the bakes you’ll find here, our lives are filled with (and often inspired by) dear friends, our very large extended family, and our four grandchildren. This blog is about sharing a deep piece of my heart and welcoming the rest of you into the little moments that bring total joy, meaning and unbridled pleasure to my world.
Come on in, make yourself comfortable, and enjoy!
grandpa’s recent bakes
I’m an avid hobbyist of a home baker, not a trained chef or a pro. I’ve made any recipe I share here at least twice, usually after I think I’ve got the recipe just right…usually. They always pass the enthusiastic enjoyment test…always!
Browse the freshest bakes in the gallery below or use the menu above to peruse by category.
Christmastime Chocolate Torte
Rich chocolate flourless cake topped with a “holiday bark” of white chocolate ganache, pistachios and dried cranberries.
Chocolate-Lover’s Cake + Buttercream Frosting
A decadently fluffy, moist, flavor-packed, oh-my-GOD cake recipe with pantry staple ingredients and easy-breezy instructions — one bowl, friends!
Spiced Pumpkin Sugar Cookies
The perfect fall treat — tender and chewy with crispy edges, ample spice, and an absolutely YUMMY depth of pumpkin flavor!
Vegan Chocolate Birthday Cake + Fudge Frosting (with potato chips)
A cake so moist, flavor-packed and fluffy, and a frosting so richly fudgy, your most die-hard dairy fans will never believe it's vegan!
Pistachio Sugar Cookies
These delightful little gems have the texture of a snickerdoodle, a rich, nutty sweetness, and A LOT of pistachio flavor — no extract or artificially flavored pudding mix needed.
Vegan Goodbar Brownies
Fudgy peanut-studded brownies topped with a luscious milk-chocolate & peanut butter ganache (and more peanuts) so tasty, even your non-vegans will love ‘em!
Strawberry Lemonade Sugar Cookies
A delightful blend of tangy strawberry and tart lemon that evokes summer picnics and amusement parks.
Chocolate Cupcakes + Fluffy Peanut Butter Frosting
Rich chocolate and tender cupcakes with a billowy (yet deeply flavored) frosting sure to make you feel like a kid again.
Bittersweet Memory Cookies
Dark black cocoa bittersweet cookies with a hint of orange blossom, love and loss.
Blimey Limey Cutout Cookies
Zest, juice and extract melded with the butter and vanilla (and a dash of luck o’ the Irish) make this treat taste like key lime pie in a cookie. Erin go Bragh!
Chocolate + Peanut Butter (Flourless) Cookies
A rich and fudgy, super-nutty super-chocolatey (and totally gluten-free) cookie.
Strawberry-Rose Sweetheart Cookies
The tang of tart-fresh strawberry and the delicate scent of rose combine in these festive cookies sure to make any sweetheart swoon!
Cranberry-Orange Muffins
This bright, tart and sweet flavor combo is a classic — and my particular favorite for holiday season breakfasts.
Chocolate-Mint Cutout Cookies
A rich chocolate cookie laced with cool mint — soft and moist but still holds its shape. Perfect for your holidays…or any time of the year!
Mint Dark-Chocolate Cupcakes
Minty and fluffy deep-chocolate cupcakes to bring a cool bit of cheer to your holidays…or any time of year!
Chocolate Bomb Truffle Torte
Rich deep chocolate with a sweet-warm splash of bourbon and vanilla.
Mexican Hot Cocoa Kisses
Two-bite chewy chocolate cookies with a sweet-spicy kick of cinnamon and just a hint of cayenne pepper.
Autumn Spice Cutout Cookies
Tis the season and the scent of ginger and clove is everywhere…or maybe that’s just my house? These soft + buttery, gently spiced cookies are just the thing for the cozy, homey, comfort vibes we were craving.
Sleepover Pancakes
“Mmm-m-MMM-mmm!” When that’s the response from across the table, what else is there to say?
grandpa’s favorite ingredients + tools
A virtual storefront featuring the products and tools that have become my go-to ingredients, some of the best pans I’ve ever baked in, and the utensils and supplies that make the job easier (and, occasionally, prettier too). START SHOPPING NOW
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