Donna McDow has been making cakes for friends and family for more than 20 years, but arrived rather more recently at the decision to make it her mid-life career.

She proceeded to further her education and opened Crazy Lady Cakes at 4035 Helena Road in Old Town Nov. 20.

“Next to my first love, my husband Tim, who I have been married to for 32 years, I love making cakes,” said McDow. “I especially enjoy creating a design that is unique and special for any occasion, like the cake I just made with six HES cheerleaders drawn on top.”

Specializing in custom wedding, birthday and special occasion cakes, her whimsical designs change with the season. McDow also offers breakfast pastries and cookies and soon, hand-molded chocolate candies.

“I use high-quality chocolate, which contains cocoa butter and chocolate liqueur. Once you have tasted these, you can’t go back to regular candy bars,” she said.

McDow is currently on her way to completing a degree in food service management with a pastry chef certification from Jefferson State’s Culinary Arts Institute.

“I thought I knew all I needed to know, but I have learned so much through this program,” she said. “It has enhanced my food skills and given me added confidence.”

After mastering truffles and turtles, McDow is ending this semester creating a chocolate sculpture called “Sweet Girl,” which includes a chocolate picture frame enclosing the silhouette of a girl.

Each class member’s final chocolate project creation will be showcased at the institute.

In their newly renovated space, crisply decorated in McDow’s favorite red and black color scheme, you can pick up a last minute ‘Cake-In-One-Hour’ (in limited options) or schedule local delivery to schools and businesses. Also offered are fruit trays and sandwich trays.

Crazy Lady Cakes will host a holiday cake tasting from 6-9 p.m. Dec. 11. Visitors can enjoy a sample of red velvet, sour cream coconut, carrot, German chocolate or McDow’s special European Torte.

Laura Brookhart can be reached by e–mail at labro16@yahoo.com.