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!
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!
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.
Chocolate + Peanut Butter (Flourless) Cookies
A rich and fudgy, super-nutty super-chocolatey (and totally gluten-free) cookie.
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.
Sometimes You Feel Like a Nut Brownies
Soft, chewy dark chocolate brownies chock-full of almonds and coconut sure to inspire a little JOY!
Halemaumau Pie
Classic with an island twist — luscious chocolate cream pie, flavored with coconut and a hint of rum.
Milk Chocolate + Hazelnut Flourless Cake
Creamy milk chocolate and deep hazelnut flavor give this classic a fresh new twist.
Choc-O-Bloc Krispie Treats
Pebbles and puffs and chips, oh my! A chocolatey, crunchy twist on everybody’s favorite ooey-gooey classic.
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
flour+sugar is a participant in the Amazon and King Arthur affiliate marketing programs, designed to provide a means to earn fees on qualifying purchases made via links on this site.