COULEE REGION COOKS

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 about the exciting upcoming wines, ...

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 will be introduced to a variety of simp...

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 serendipitous path that led her to acquire t...

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 common pitfalls of protein intake, espe...

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 discover the unique dishes that make up...

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, Justin's culinary journey is as flavorful a...

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 inspiration behind the Monkey Business menu, whic...

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, including its humble beginnings and the c...

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, and a variety of pies that will be av...

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, discussing their experiences with for...

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, showcasing the unique offerings of Saxon Hall, ...

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 commitment to sustainability, Chris discusse...

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 explains the process of growing these nutrient...

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 the intricate process of making these...

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 explains the intricacies of menu devel...

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 discuss the importance of fresh produce...

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 baking.

The duo shares delightful anecdot...

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 manager, dives into the meticulous proce...

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 taste buds with playful names and in...