Connie Fairbanks has had several careers in her lifetime.
In 1998, she left a successful business management career that spanned over 20 years in
international marketing and sales for large and start-up medical companies to pursue her
dream as an actor. Since then she has used her talents to be featured in commercials and
collaborate on-stage in the thriving theatre scene in Chicago. And now, as cookbook author
and home chef, she's in another role that she loves.
"I wrote this first cookbook to give home chefs access to three to four course seasonal homemade menus
that can be made every day and with confidence. Most of us have not had formal culinary training. We
learn on the job in our kitchens every day." To take the guesswork out of preparation, every menu in
the cookbook is accompanied by "Connie's Notes" with tips and techniques, "It's sort of like having your
mother or aunt in the kitchen with you."
With the experience and enthusiasm of an skilled cook, Connie takes you through familiar recipes,
but with a twist that makes the preparation easy and the results worthy of a round of applause. Your
guests and family will delight in menus ranging from an elegant, romantic dinner for two and a spring
weekend brunch, to a World Series party and a sizzling menu that re-creates a night in Barcelona.
Growing up in small-town Kansas and learning to cook from her mom, aunts, and 4-H, she was an honors
graduate of Emporia State University and a member of Chi Omega sorority. When not traveling the United
States and Europe, she and her husband Kirk live in downtown Chicago, where they spend a lot of time on
their award-winning rooftop deck. In her spare time, Connie does Yoga and Pilates, plays classical music
on the piano, and has been a long-term volunteer tutor for elementary students. She is also a member of the
International Association of Culinary Professionals (IACP).
Connie has drawn on her life long experiences to create the perfect companion for the home chef,
Scratch ThatTM: Seasonal Menus and Perfect Pairings. Have fun and keep learning. Enjoy.