COULEE REGION COOKS

In this episode of Coulee Region Cooks , host Courtney Vaaler sits down with Dylan, the manager of the Kane Street Community Garden , part of the Hunger Task Force of La Crosse . Dylan shares the inspiring mission behind the garden, which aims to combat food insecurity by growing fresh produce for the community. With a target of 40,000 pounds this season, Dylan discusses the innovative strategies...

In this episode of  Coulee Region Cooks , host Courtney Vaaler is joined by the ever-enthusiastic Justin, owner of Corbin's Chill-N-Grill Food Trailer and the Spice Rack. Justin shares his culinary journey, revealing the secrets behind his delicious cheese curds and mouthwatering sauces that have become local favorites. With a playful nod to their last conversation, they revisit the amusing b...

In this episode of  Coulee Region Cooks , host Courtney Vaaler welcomes Elsie and Lee from  Elsie's Bar and Grill  in Caledonia, where they dive into the exciting world of catering and food truck cuisine. The duo shares their journey of launching a food trailer, detailing the mouthwatering options available, from smoked brisket to delicious wraps that leave customers craving more. L...

In this episode of  Coulee Region Cooks , host Courtney Vaaler welcomes back Clara from Clara Bakes , diving deep into the delightful world of baking. Clara shares her journey from baking with her grandmother to running her own baking business, where she specializes in macarons and intricate cakes that tell a story. The conversation flows as Clara reveals the secrets behind her stunning macar...

In this episode of  Coulee Region Cooks , host Courtney Vaaler welcomes a lively group of senior nutrition and dietetics majors from Viterbo University , along with their instructor, Tiffany Lein. The students share their journey toward becoming registered dietitians, explaining the importance of their degree in debunking nutrition myths and providing science-backed dietary advice. The conver...

In this episode of  Coulee Region Cooks , host Courtney Vaaler is joined by her husband, Barry, as they prepare for a festive Easter celebration. With Barry's expertise in holiday menu planning, the couple dives into the perfect Easter menu, discussing proteins like smoked prime rib, ham with bourbon and maple syrup glaze, and the crowd-pleasing turkey. They also share tips for delicious side...

In this episode of  Coulee Region Cooks , host Courtney Vaaler is joined by the dynamic duo, Mad Dog and Merrill from  Midwest Grillin , as they gear up for the highly anticipated La Crosse Sports Show. With a decade of experience at the show, the grillologists share their excitement for this year's event and what's in store for attendees. Listeners will be treated to a sneak peek of the...

In this episode of  Coulee Region Cooks , host Courtney Vaaler welcomes back Emily and Hannah from  Hunt and Gather Grazing Boards . The duo dives into the art of charcuterie and grazing boards, discussing their unique offerings that go beyond traditional meat and cheese arrangements. From brunch boards to dessert boards, they share how their catering business has evolved since its incep...

In this episode of  Coulee Region Cooks , host Courtney Vaaler welcomes Angie Horkan, known as the Beef Lady from the Wisconsin Beef Council. Together, they dive into the world of beef, exploring its nutritional benefits and sharing some of the most popular recipes from the past year. Angie shares insights from her extensive experience in beef marketing and cooking, including tips for making...

In this episode of  Coulee Region Cooks , host Courtney Vaaler welcomes Jennifer from  Tansy's Traveling Kitchen  and Sabrina from  Wilma's Cakes  for an exciting discussion about their new collaboration. With a shared passion for gluten-free and nut-free baking, Sabrina introduces listeners to her bakery's offerings, which include a variety of delicious cakes, cookies, an...

In this episode of  Coulee Region Cooks , host Courtney Vaaler reunites with Kyle from Smokey's Bar and Grill for a lively conversation about the restaurant's mouthwatering menu and the exciting events happening in Holman. With a focus on the delicious offerings at Smokey's , Kyle shares updates on their famous homemade cheesecake and the ever-popular taco and burger specials that keep patron...

In this episode of  Coulee Region Cooks , host Courtney Vaaler welcomes back Lindsay Moe from The Live-In Kitchen for an insightful discussion on incorporating vegetarian and vegan meals into your diet as New Year's resolutions approach. Lindsay shares her expertise on how to navigate dietary changes, offering practical tips for those looking to explore new eating habits without feeling overw...

In this episode of Coulee Region Cooks, host Courtney Vaaler welcomes Deb from Bluff Top Vineyards for a deep dive into the world of winemaking. As the winter months settle in, Deb shares insights into the vineyard's seasonal activities, including the therapeutic process of pruning their 2,500 vines and the preparations they undertake during the quiet months of January.  Listeners will learn...

In this episode of  Coulee Region Cooks , host Courtney Vaaler takes the reins solo, diving into the festive spirit with a focus on homemade Christmas gifts from the kitchen. With the holiday season fast approaching, Courtney reflects on the challenges of adult gift-giving and suggests a delightful alternative: creating heartfelt, edible gifts that are sure to impress loved ones. Listeners wi...

In this episode of  Coulee Region Cooks , host Courtney Vaaler is joined by the beloved Megan Larson, the mastermind behind the soon-to-be-opened The Vintage Kitchen. After years of dreaming, Megan shares the exciting news of her brick-and-mortar restaurant, set to open its doors on December 6th. The duo reflects on Megan's journey from private chef to restaurant owner, discussing the serendi...

In this episode of  Coulee Region Cooks , host Courtney Vaaler reunites with Teri Market, our resident fit foodie and expert personal trainer, fresh from her recent powerlifting competition in York, Pennsylvania. The duo dives deep into the often misunderstood world of protein, discussing why hitting daily protein goals can be more challenging than it seems. Teri shares her insights on the co...

In this episode of  Coulee Region Cooks , host Courtney Vaaler welcomes back Chef Charlie George from  JavaVino , a beloved staple in the La Crosse area. With years of culinary experience and a deep-rooted family history in the food industry, Charlie shares insights into the eclectic menu at JavaVino, which surprises many with its diverse offerings beyond coffee and wine. Listeners will...

In this episode of  Coulee Region Cooks , host Courtney Vaaler welcomes Justin, the owner of the popular  Corbin's Chill-N-Grill Food Truck . Justin shares his unique backstory, revealing how his childhood experiences in the kitchen with his grandparents shaped his passion for cooking and barbecue. From mastering sauces to honing his grilling skills through travels across the South, Just...

In this episode of  Coulee Region Cooks , host Courtney Vaaler welcomes Brandon, the owner and operator of the beloved  Monkey Business Food Truck . Brandon takes us on a journey through his culinary background, from his roots in La Crosse to the creation of his vibrant food truck that specializes in gourmet grilled sourdough melts and savory wraps. Listeners will discover the inspiratio...

In this episode of  Coulee Region Cooks , host Courtney Vaaler is joined by Tom Babler, the owner and chef behind Woodshed Mobile Wood Fired Pizza . Tom shares his culinary journey, from early cooking adventures in his grandmother's kitchen to discovering his passion for pizza in the food industry. With a history that spans decades, Tom recounts the evolution of his mobile pizza business, inc...

In this episode of  Coulee Region Cooks , host Courtney Vaaler welcomes back Sarah Burns from Omega Bakery  to discuss all things fall baking! Sarah shares her journey as a dedicated gluten-free baker, specializing in allergy-friendly treats that everyone can enjoy. With the holiday season approaching, she reveals her plans for seasonal flavors including apple cider donuts, pumpkin bars,...

In this episode of  Coulee Region Cooks , host Courtney Vaaler welcomes Dana and Adam from  Dana's Kitchen  to celebrate National Mushroom Month! The duo shares their journey from mushroom farming to creating an array of unique mushroom-based products, including seasonings, marinara sauces, and even mushroom-shaped biscuits. Dana and Adam dive into the fascinating world of mushrooms...

In this episode of  Coulee Region Cooks , host Courtney Vaaler reunites with Sy Fix and his now-paid intern, Savannah, from Saxon Hall . They dive into the exciting updates from the restaurant, including the revitalization of the beer garden, complete with a stunning rock wall and wrought iron gate. Sy shares the experience of being featured in a video by America's Best Restaurants, showcasin...

In this episode of  Coulee Region Cooks , host Courtney Vaaler welcomes Chris Wysong from Bucket of Bread  back to the show for an exciting update on his journey. After a year, Chris shares the evolution of his artisanal baking kits, which combine certified organic flours into easy-to-use boxes for creating everything from bread to bagels. With a focus on quality ingredients and a commit...

In this episode of  Coulee Region Cooks , host Courtney Vaaler welcomes David from  Little Gardener Microgreens , diving into the vibrant world of microgreens. David shares his journey from a casual gardening enthusiast to a microgreens entrepreneur, detailing how a simple love for gardening blossomed into a thriving subscription-based business. With a focus on sustainability, he explain...