Cake baker finds outlet at Momma’s

It was the love of creating new recipes combined with a strong desire to share his creations with others that drove Donnell Chambers to begin Chambers Cakes and Cookies. When asked why he bakes, Donnell simply says, “It’s my passion.”

He also cited his mother’s “good roots in southern cooking” and love of “rich flavors,” that helped inspire him to create recipes that he loves and is proud to share with others.

There is one recipe that Donnell is especially proud of -- Orange Pumpkin Spice Cake. In fact, it was that recipe that managed to catch the attention of Martha Stewart.

It was in 2002 that Martha Stewart made a visit to Nebraska Furniture Mart. Donnell, like hundreds of other fans, waited in line to meet Martha Stewart at her book signing. Little did Donnell know that three years later he would get the opportunity to bake a cake on the Martha Stewart Show.

That day, a photographer from the Kansas City Star took a photo of Donnell and Martha. It was that photo that first caught the attention of the Martha Stewart Show. The producers saw the photo and contacted Donnell. After spending a year corresponding back and forth, even sending the show’s producers a six-page write about himself and his love of baking, Donnell finally came up with the perfect recipe for Martha to test – Donnell’s Orange Pumpkin Spice Cake. It was a recipe that he had created; the same recipe that Dean & Duluca sampled and raved about. It was a “winner,” according to Donnell.

After Martha’s staff tested the recipe he was invited to be a guest on her show. He flew to New York to tape the show and to go whisk to whisk with Martha Stewart. After his appearance on the show, in October 2006, Donnell’s recipe was the number one requested recipe on the show’s website, and he started being recognized around town.

Donnell, who currently works as breakfast cook at Hy-Vee in Raytown, said “customers lined-up to meet [him],” after his show aired. He was also invited to appear on KC Live last December. The television appearances bolstered Donnell’s fame in Kansas City, and he was recognized by the ladies in the State Farm office that is located next door to Big Momma’s Bakery in Woodson Village.

It was at the urging of those women that Donnell approached the owners of Big Momma’s with the idea of placing his cakes in their store.