World Cup-related Cooking Classes at CCKC & a featured recipe from KANSAS!: Dutch Baby Pancakes

The latest Taste article (“World-Class Education”) in KANSAS! Magazine (2026 / vol 82 /  pp. 58-63 / kansasmag.com) has a special place in my heart since Barry and I used to teach classes at the Culinary Center of Kansas City. We first approached Laura Laiben at the CCKC in the early 2000s with the idea of teaching a class using recipes from The Kirby House Cookbook. From there we added classes on bierocks, bread and pie baking, dinner meals centered around pork and chicken, even garnishing classes. It was a great opportunity for us to meet people— those who enrolled in our classes as well as the CCKC staff. We hung up our cooking class hats after Covid and since then the center is under new ownership. But when I found out this issue of the magazine was devoted to the World Cup, I wondered if perhaps the CCKC might be offering some a class or two related to the games so I called the center and was referred to the General Manager. Low and behold, I was talking to Heather Minor—a person we knew when we were teaching there and a fellow Chi Omega at K-State!  When I asked about possible classes related to the World Cup, she responded, “We will have some soon!” She worked with three instructors to create globally inspired classes and the rest is history. However, the connections do not stop there as I was soon to discover that one of those instructors, Sergio Lara, was also someone from our past at the CCKC. Now a certified chef and staff member at the center, he teaches classes, prepares staff meals, etc. His sister, VickyLara Prieto (one of our favorites, too) is still there . . . so this interview turned into somewhat of a mini reunion! 

The article outlines the classes related to the upcoming World Cup games in Kansas City, and also explains the CCKC’s mission and history. Of course it includes a recipe; this one is from Chef Sergio Lara.  

Dutch Baby Pancakes (photo from Chef Sergio Lara's Facebook page)

Chef Sergio Lara (far right) and some of the culinary team at the Culinary Center of Kansas City.

VickyLara Prieto, his sister in the on the front row, far right. Photo from Sergio's Facebook page. 

 KANSAS! Magazine (2026 / vol 82 /  pp. 58-63 /  kansasmag.com

WORLD CUP RECIPE —  Classes at the Culinary Center of Kansas City always include "well tested" recipes. Chef Sergio Lara willingly shares his step-by-step instructions for Dutch Apple Pancakes featured in his Netherlands World Cup based menu. However, try as he may, he can’t replicate the one-on-one interaction with a supportive teacher who can demonstrate the techniques needed for tricky recipes, the opportunity to make new friends in the kitchen, or the final thrill of gathering for a communal meal. So if circumstances allow, be sure to take advantage of the opportunities at the CCKC where you will learn more about global foods, or other topics of your choice, expand your culinary skills, and just have fun.

Dutch Baby Pancakes   Yield:  Eight 6-inch pancakes.

INGREDIENTS

Apples:

4 Granny Smith apples

Batter:   

4 large eggs

1 1/3 cups fall-purpose four

1 cup whole milk

1 tablespoon granulated sugar

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

For Cooking:

8 tablespoons unsalted butter 

 

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Apples: Peel and slice the apples thinly, about 1/8-inch thick. Set aside   
2. Batter: Put all batter ingredients into a blender. Mix for about 1 minute. Batter should be runny.
3. Cooking: In an 8 or 10-inch nonstick or ceramic skillet set over medium high heat, melt 1 tablespoon butter for the first pancake. 
4. Pour 1/4 cup batter into the pan and quickly tilt the pan in a circular motion until batter is spread across the bottom of pan to form a thin pancake. 
5. Working quickly, distribute 1/8^th of the sliced apples on top of the wet top side and cook for about 15-20 seconds or until bottom side looks golden brown. Flip pancake over.  Cook for additional 15-20 seconds under golden brown on that side. 
6. Remove the pancake from the pan and roll pancake apple side in.
7. Repeat steps #3-6 to cook additional pancakes.
8. Serve hot or warm. Enjoy.  Note: Chef Sergio says these pancakes are so good that they can stand alone. However, they could also be served with vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of maple syrup and a dollop of whipped cream.