Laura Kurella Earns ‘Golden Ticket’ for 2026 World Food Championship

Laura Kurella, known for her contributions to the culinary world, has added a new accolade to her career. She received a ‘Golden Ticket’, not for any chocolate or candy factory tours, but for the 2026 World Food Championship (WFC) set to take place from October 15-18 at the Indiana State Fairgrounds in Indianapolis. The WFC is the largest food sport event in the U.S., showcasing more than 300 teams from nearly 40 countries.

Kurella’s journey to this competition began with her unique recipe, ‘Fiesta Firecracker Shrimp Rollitos Fritos’, which was entered in a prior challenge hosted by Bolner’s Fiesta Brand. Her participation in Indianapolis will place her ‘on the global stage’, competing against international and national participants.

Kurella previously competed in the WFC in 2015, 2023, and 2024. Her notable achievements include a Top 20 placement in 2015, tying for third in 2023, and securing a Top 10 finish in 2025.

In an interview on WJOB 1230 AM’s ‘OfNotoriety Radio Show’, Kurella discussed her readiness for this year’s WFC. She emphasized how this year will be different for her since she won’t be involving her elderly sisters in her culinary preparations. As she is a self-taught ‘home cook’, Kurella embraces the competition’s energy and challenges, which include strict rules like tool-use limitations and a ban on open flames.

According to Kurella, competing with professional chefs is a personal challenge. Her previous experiences have boosted her confidence. She stated that heavenly help and her supportive husband are her driving forces.

Kurella, an accomplished cookbook author, has published titles such as ‘Midwest Morsels’, ‘Fabulous Desserts’, and ‘Fabulous Tiny Bites and Beverages’. Her children’s book, ‘A Delicious Day at Mrs. K’s’, promotes nutritional awareness. She belongs to the Association of Food Journalists and frequently discusses culinary topics on air.

In recent broadcasts, she shared her passion for pastries, specifically her mother’s ‘Rozky’ recipe. These traditional Central and Eastern European pastries hold sentimental value for her. Using a fruit filling made from Moonlight plums and Redhaven peaches, Kurella honors the culinary heritage she grew up with.

‘Rozky’, known by various names like roskie, roshky, and kolacky, were initially created out of necessity. Mixing fruit into a thick paste helped four generations of bakers to avoid spills in lunch boxes.

Florence Kurella’s method included rolling dough on cane sugar for a caramelized effect. The recipe below has been adapted from her mother’s tried-and-true techniques:

Florence Kurella’s Rozky

Makes 24 servings

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup butter
• 1/2 cup margarine
• 8 ounces cream cheese
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (additional if sticky)
• Granulated cane sugar (for rolling)
• 1 pound apricot pastry filling
• Thickened fruit filling of choice
• Powdered sugar for dusting

Directions

1. Beat butter, margarine, and cream cheese for 5 minutes. Add flour until dough forms a clean ball.
2. Wrap dough in plastic and chill for at least 5 hours.
3. Preheat oven to 375°F. Divide and roll dough using cane sugar instead of flour.
4. Cut into 2-inch shapes, add filling, and roll into pastries.
5. Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden.
6. Cool before dusting with powdered sugar.

For additional flavor, you can substitute nut roll filling.

For more information on the World Food Championship, visit their website at worldfoodchampionships.com.