Willoughby Woman Competes for Title in "The Greatest Baker" Contest
WILLOUGHBY, Ohio — Doreen Stray, a passionate baker from Willoughby, is vying for the title of "The Greatest Baker" in an online voting competition presented by Colossal and hosted by celebrity baker Buddy Valastro, famously known as the "Cake Boss." Stray is currently holding the second-place position in her group as the contest continues to draw widespread attention.
“I have always had a passion for baking since I was as young as I can remember,” said Stray, reflecting on her journey that began in her grandmother’s kitchen in Willoughby Hills. Her grandmother, Mazie, a talented Slovenian cook and baker, inspired Stray’s love for the craft. “She was my hero,” Stray shared, explaining that winning this competition would honor her grandmother’s legacy and the encouragement she has received from her family over the years.
The competition, which supports the Andrew McDonough B+ Foundation, benefits families of children with cancer by providing financial and emotional support. Since 2022, the campaign has assisted over 3,200 families nationwide. The contest also offers participants the chance to showcase their baking talents while making a difference.
For Stray, the stakes are both personal and professional. “Winning this competition would validate what my entire family tells me that I am the greatest baker they know,” she said. The winner will receive $20,000, which Stray hopes to use as a down payment on a new house with a larger kitchen to better accommodate her baking projects.
Among the competition’s prompts, Stray shared that her favorite item to bake is potica, a traditional Slovenian pastry. “It was always one of my grandma’s specialties,” she said, recounting her early memories of baking alongside her grandmother. Stray began baking at the age of 10, experimenting with recipes old and new to delight her family.
Stray sees the contest as a tribute to her grandmother and a step toward improving her craft. “The icing on the cake would be to meet Buddy and win the $20,000 to improve my baking space in my home,” she said, adding that the title would be a cherished honor for her and her family.
Supporters can vote for Stray by visiting the competition’s website at https://greatestbaker.com/2024/doreen-stray.
