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Fairfield Author Pens New Cookbook To Keep Every Baker Busy

FAIRFIELD, Conn. — This holiday season is particularly sweet for Fairfield resident and baker Abigail Johnson Dodge: Her 10th cookbook, "The Everyday Baker," is now available to inspire bakers everywhere. 

Abby Dodge is a Fairfield-based cookbook writer.

Abby Dodge is a Fairfield-based cookbook writer.

Photo Credit: Contributed

The book, published by The Taunton Press in Newtown, spans more than 600 full-color pages and goes beyond just sweets. 

"When my editor and I first discussed the book, we agreed that we wanted to produce a comprehensive baking book that was a collection of sweet and savory recipes presented in an instructional cooking-school format," Dodge says. "The goal was to teach bakers of every skill level all the essential techniques they would need to bake with confidence and authority." 

Dodge, a contributing editor to Fine Cooking magazine, says the book will appeal to everyone who loves to bake. 

"I developed the recipes and supporting instructional information for anyone who likes, loves or lives to bake, from newbies to experienced bakers," she says. 

"I've even heard from many professional chefs who have modified some of their recipes to reflect my techniques." 

Dodge, whose previous books include "The Weekend Baker" and "Mini Treats & Hand-Held Sweets," put a lot of time into "The Everyday Baker." 

"From conception to printing, the book took just about four years of more-than-full-time attention," she says. "In the cookbook-publishing world, that's an extraordinary amount of time." 

In addition to writer and editor, Dodge can now add multimedia instructor to her resume. She recently filmed a baking boot camp class for Craftsy, a web company that produces online cooking and crafting class with an interactive component that allows students and instructors to share information. 

"The Craftsy concept is genius, and I loved the experience of filing the series of lessons in my pies and tarts class," Dodge says. "Craftsy is a wonderful platform to reach and interact with international bakers of all abilities. Perhaps the best part is the conversations I have with bakers from around the world. " 

After spending almost four years working on her new book, Dodge is ready to turn her attention to new projects. 

"I've recently updated my website, abbydodge.com, with a shiny new look, and I'll be spending some time tweaking and tinkering as well as adding new content," she says. "The 'Everyday Baker' took my full attention for so long that it's nice to redirect some energy and creativity to the website." 

Dodge has nothing but good things to say about where she lives. 

"I grew up in Southport and Fairfield, and raised my children here as well. The town has everything: beautiful beaches, historic landmarks, good schools, and a warm, small-town feeling — all in close proximity to Manhattan and Boston."

Abby Dodge will signing her book from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday at the Fairfield University Bookstore at 1499 Post Road. Visit the store's website or call 203-255-7756 for more information.

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