Laura Kurella

Laura Kurella is an award-winning home cook, photographer, author, and journalist with a heart for the Great Lakes region.

Born and raised in the unique "Indiana zip code" suburb of Chicago, Laura credits God with giving her the talent to make a positive difference in the lives of others through the joy of cooking.

By blending "old kitchen alchemy" with fresh, modern ideas, Laura creates what she calls "Food that makes YOU feel good!"

Her extensive culinary catalog includes the Fabulous! series, her cherished memoir Midwest Morsels: Recipes and Reflections, and her latest release, Midwest Morsels: Revised + Expanded Edition (2025). She is also the author of the heartwarming children’s book series, A Delicious Day at Mrs. K’s.

Beyond the page, Laura has shared her kitchen secrets as a host of local television cooking shows like Vitality Cuisine and Your Kids Health, had her own Radio Recipes talk show, and appeared on network television to help promote Great Lakes cuisine, her favorite place is the kitchen, proving that home-cooked meals offer a level of love and flavor that a drive-thru can’t match!

A seasoned competitor in "food sport," Laura has qualified four times (2015, 2023, 2025, 2026) to compete against elite chefs from around the globe at the World Food Championships—a testament to the power of self-taught skill and passion.

"I am an old-fashioned Midwest home cook through and through," Laura says with a wide smile. "I love food that loves you back and sharing its secrets, so others can, too. Life is too short—let's make it delicious. Enjoy!"