COULEE REGION COOKS

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...

In this episode of Coulee Region Cooks , host Courtney Vaaler welcomes Clara from  Clara Bakes  to explore the delightful world of macarons and cakes. Clara shares her unique journey from baking as a child to becoming a successful cottage baker, revealing how a simple request from a colleague sparked her passion for creating beautiful confections. With a focus on macarons, Clara explains...

In this episode of  Coulee Region Cooks , host Courtney Vaaler sits down with Mitch Weber, the owner and chef of  Sagra , to discuss exciting changes and the evolution of his culinary journey. Mitch shares the thrilling news of welcoming a new Chef de Cuisine, Quinn Schrader, who will help take Sagra's kitchen to new heights. As they delve into the dynamics of running a restaurant, Mitch...

In this episode of  Coulee Region Cooks , host Courtney Vaaler welcomes Dylan from the Kane Street Community Garden , part of the Hunger Task Force , to share insights on community gardening and food security. As a newcomer to La Crosse, Dylan brings a wealth of experience from his previous work in New Mexico, where he managed a nonprofit garden aimed at feeding the community. Together, they...

In this episode of  Coulee Region Cooks , host Courtney Vaaler invites her father, Terry Schallert, to celebrate Father's Day with a heartwarming discussion about their shared culinary memories. As they take a stroll down memory lane, Terry reflects on his role in the kitchen while raising Courtney and her siblings, revealing how his creativity and love for cooking shaped her passion for baki...

In this episode of  Coulee Region Cooks , host Courtney Vaaler is joined by Megan and Austin from Le Chateau to discuss the exciting changes and culinary innovations happening at this upscale dining destination. Megan shares her transition from food truck and catering to the world of fine dining, revealing her multifaceted role in the kitchen and front of house. Meanwhile, Austin, the bar man...

In this episode of Coulee Region Cooks , host Courtney Vaaler is joined by Micah Rupprecht and Isaac Wilde from Kwik Trip to explore the exciting new food offerings hitting their stores this summer. As the R&D chef, Isaac reveals the latest creations, including two new frozen pizzas—“Queued Up” BBQ Chicken and “Giddy Up” Chicken Bacon Ranch—set to tantalize...

In this episode of  Coulee Region Cooks , host Courtney Vaaler sits down with her husband, Barry Vaaler, to kick off grilling season just in time for Mother's Day! As the weather warms up, Barry shares his grilling expertise, discussing the best equipment, flavor combinations, and techniques to elevate your outdoor cooking experience. Listeners will learn about the benefits of using a wood pe...

In this episode of  Coulee Region Cooks , host Courtney Vaaler welcomes Teri Market, a personal trainer and competitive powerlifter, to discuss the intricate relationship between food, fitness, and moderation. Teri, a self-proclaimed "fit foodie," shares her journey of navigating the balance between enjoying food and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Together, they explore the challenges of st...

In this episode of  Coulee Region Cooks , host Courtney Vaaler chats with Linda from the Valley Fudge and Candy Company  in Coon Valley, where sweet dreams are made. Linda shares her delightful journey from planning retirement to becoming a fudge-making sensation after a chance encounter at a craft show. With over 200 packages sold in one weekend, her fudge quickly became a local favorit...

In this episode of  Coulee Region Cooks , host Courtney Vaaler welcomes Elsie and Lee from  Elsie's Bar and Grill  in Caledonia for a deliciously engaging conversation about their beloved local eatery. With nearly 18 years of experience, Elsie shares the journey of transforming the bar and grill into a community staple known for its hearty home-style cooking and a diverse menu that...

In this episode of  Coulee Region Cooks , host Courtney Vaaler welcomes Kyle from  Smokey's Bar and Grill  in Holman for a lively discussion about the beloved local eatery. Kyle shares his unique journey growing up in the restaurant, where his mother has been the owner for nearly two decades. The duo dives into the history of Smokey's, the community's connection to the bar, and the...

In this episode of  Coulee Region Cooks , host Courtney Vaaler catches up with Katie Glaze, the creative force behind  Wild Child Homemade . Join them as they dive into the world of sourdough, exploring Katie's journey from baking at home to running a successful cottage bakery. With a focus on all things sourdough, Katie shares the story behind her popular cinnamon rolls, New York-style...

In this episode of  Coulee Region Cooks , host Courtney Vaaler sits down with the inspiring Mia from Mia's Kitchen , a vibrant food truck and catering business that Mia started at just 15 years old. Mia shares her journey of discovering her passion for cooking during the pandemic and how she transformed her love for food into a thriving business that brings diverse flavors to the La Crosse ar...

In this episode of  Coulee Region Cooks , host Courtney Vaaler welcomes Deb from Bluff Top Vineyards  in Winona County for a delightful exploration of the world of wine. Deb shares the journey of starting the vineyard in 2018, from growing grapes to opening a tasting room, and the inspiration that led them to make their own wines. With three different grape varieties, including the uniqu...

In this episode of  Coulee Region Cooks , host Courtney Vaaler dives into the beloved tradition of fish fries with the dedicated volunteer committee from St. Patrick's Church . Join Courtney as she chats with Jerry, Mary Jo, and Tim about the history and growth of their famous fish fry, which has been delighting the community for over 40 years, especially during Lent. The committee shares the...