COULEE REGION COOKS

Courtney Vaaler

Coulee Region Cooks is your guide to discovering the people, businesses, and ideas shaping our local food and wellness community with host, Courtney Vaaler. From hidden-gem restaurants and farmers market vendors to food manufacturers, coffee roasters, and wellness experts, every episode introduces you to something new in the Coulee Region.  Catch Coulee Region Cooks on the radio Thursday mornings at 10am on WIZM, 92.3 FM, 106.7 FM and 1410 AM.

  1. 3d ago

    Brothers in Business: Building Taco Broz One Taco at a Time

    In this episode of Coulee Region Cooks, host Courtney Vaaler welcomes Eric Mora, one of the brothers behind Taco Broz. Eric shares how the family’s love of cooking—first inspired by his father’s meals around the family table—grew into a food truck bringing Mexican street-food flavors to the La Crosse area. He reflects on the early learning curve, the brothers’ first festivals, and the local food-truck community that helped Taco Broz find its footing. Listeners will get a taste of the menu, including the slow-cooked beef birria that has become a customer favorite. Eric explains how the tender, flavorful meat is served in crispy, cheesy tacos with a rich dipping broth, and how birria also stars in dishes like ramen, fries, and a crunch wrap. He also talks about the restaurant’s salsa bar, the importance of consistent food and service, and bringing the lively feel of a food truck into Taco Bros.’ open-kitchen restaurant downtown. Eric shares how listening to customers led the brothers from a food truck to a restaurant, and how catering has become another way to bring Taco Broz to weddings, workplace events, and celebrations. Tune in to hear about their taco-bar catering, where to find the food truck, and how to visit the restaurant for tacos late into the night. It’s a tasty conversation about family, perseverance, and sharing good food with the community! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Brothers in Business: Building Taco Broz One Taco at a Time

  2. Oct 22

    Crunching the Code: Ruth's Granola Success and Cottage Food Insights

    In this episode of Coulee Region Cooks, host Courtney Vaaler sits down with Ruth, the passionate owner of Good Granola, LLC. Ruth shares her inspiring journey from a happy accident at a local farmer's market to building a thriving granola business over the past six years. She explains how the Wisconsin cottage food code allowed her to start selling her delicious granola right from her home kitchen and the challenges she faced along the way. Listeners will be intrigued as Ruth reveals the secrets behind her unique blends, including her top sellers like the coffee chocolate cashew granola and the Midwest Forager's favorite, packed with freeze-dried fruits and nuts. With 11 different flavors to choose from, Ruth discusses how she crafts her granola using quality ingredients like honey and coconut oil, ensuring that her products are both tasty and nutritious. As the conversation unfolds, Ruth shares her exciting transition from a cottage baker to operating out of a licensed kitchen, highlighting the resources available for budding entrepreneurs in the Coulee region. Tune in to discover how Ruth is expanding her reach through wholesale opportunities and learn about the upcoming holiday markets where you can find her delicious granola. This episode is a delightful exploration of passion, community, and the joy of good food! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Crunching the Code: Ruth's Granola Success and Cottage Food Insights

  3. Oct 15

    From Competition to Collaboration: Chef Jimmy Wilson's Culinary Journey

    In this episode of Coulee Region Cooks, host Courtney Vaaler welcomes Chef Jimmy Wilson, a culinary dynamo and recent competitor in the Favorite Chef competition. Chef Jimmy shares his journey from a classically trained chef to a local culinary influencer, highlighting his experiences at Bay Harbor Senior Living and Hy-Vee where he conducts chef demonstrations. Get ready to be inspired as he discusses the challenges and triumphs of competing against over 60,000 contestants, ultimately finishing in an impressive 13th place! Listeners will be captivated by Chef Jimmy’s passion for cooking, as he dives into his signature dishes, including a delectable salmon with bearnaise sauce and his award-winning chili recipe that has taken home trophies in various cook-offs. Discover how he creatively incorporates different chilies to elevate his chili game and learn about his upcoming participation in the Healthy America competition with Maxim magazine, where he aims to build his culinary presence even further. As a special treat, Chef Jimmy reveals his exciting collaboration with Chef Kelly Snyder Zufelt on a new cookbook titled "A Table Between Us," which aims to bridge the gap between classical techniques and home cooking flexibility. This cookbook promises to be a delightful resource for anyone looking to enhance their culinary skills, featuring budget-friendly recipes and tips for making delicious meals with what you have on hand. Tune in for a fun and informative episode that will leave you eager to cook! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    From Competition to Collaboration: Chef Jimmy Wilson's Culinary Journey

  4. Oct 8

    The Art of Adaptation: Lindsay Moe on Vegetarian Cooking and Creative Baking

    In this episode of Coulee Region Cooks, host Courtney Vaaler welcomes Lindsay Moe, the creative force behind The Live-In Kitchen, a vibrant food blog that goes beyond recipes to explore the art of vegetarian and vegan cooking. Lindsay shares her journey as a food photographer and the challenges she faces in the ever-evolving digital landscape, particularly with the rise of AI-generated content. Together, they delve into the importance of maintaining the integrity of original recipes and the impact of AI on content creators. Listeners will be intrigued as Lindsay discusses her recent transition from blogging to working as a cupcake decorator at Meringue Bakery, where she brings her unique flair to sweet treats. She shares tips for decorating cupcakes and the creative process behind her delicious recipes, including a delightful apple appetizer and her take on fall flavors with pumpkin and apple dishes. From savory pumpkin pizza to a refreshing apple cider cocktail, this episode is packed with inspiration for the upcoming season. Join Courtney and Lindsay as they explore the nuances of vegetarian cooking, share practical tips for home cooks, and discuss exciting new recipes, including a creamy wild rice and mushroom soup and a decadent pumpkin seed butter treat. Whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting your culinary journey, this episode is sure to spark your creativity in the kitchen! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    The Art of Adaptation: Lindsay Moe on Vegetarian Cooking and Creative Baking

  5. Oct 1

    From Creamery to Cocktail: Exploring Milk-Based Spirits with Birch Point

    In this episode of Coulee Region Cooks, host Courtney Vaaler welcomes Scott and Stacy Kring, the co-owners of Birch Point Distillery located in Westby, Wisconsin. This innovative distillery is making waves in the spirits world by utilizing milk sugars from local creameries to produce their unique vodka and gin. Join Courtney as she dives into the fascinating story behind Birch Point, exploring how the Krings transitioned from traditional distilling dreams to a groundbreaking approach that blends sheep, goat, and cow whey. Listeners will be captivated by the detailed process Scott shares, from sourcing whey to fermentation and distillation. Discover how Birch Point's spirits stand out with their smooth, sweet profiles and how they’ve converted even the most skeptical gin drinkers with their modern take on this classic spirit. Scott and Stacy also discuss their plans for future offerings, including a new brandy, and the importance of community connections through their cocktail room and private events. Whether you're a spirits enthusiast or simply curious about the distilling process, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration. Tune in to learn how Birch Point Distillery is redefining local craft spirits and creating a unique tasting experience for everyone! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    From Creamery to Cocktail: Exploring Milk-Based Spirits with Birch Point

  6. Sep 24

    Beyond the Plate: Chef and the Foodie's Guide to Holistic Eating and Living

    In this episode of Coulee Region Cooks, host Courtney Vaaler is joined by the dynamic duo Chef Poe and Dr. Alvie Ernest, the faces behind the innovative lifestyle brand known as "The Chef and the Foodie." With a unique blend of culinary expertise and holistic health knowledge, they share their journey from San Diego to Wisconsin, highlighting their mission to promote plant-based eating and wellness. Listeners will be captivated as Chef Poe discusses his extensive experience in the culinary world and his transition to a plant-forward philosophy, while Dr. Alvie emphasizes the importance of nutrition in maintaining overall health. Together, they offer cooking classes, holistic workshops, and even consultations for businesses looking to enhance their plant-based offerings. The couple dives into the benefits of incorporating more fruits and vegetables into our diets, sharing personal anecdotes and practical tips for making healthy eating enjoyable and accessible. Join Courtney, Chef Poe, and Dr. Alvie for an engaging conversation that covers everything from the art of food beautification to the significance of gardening in fostering a better relationship with food. This episode is packed with inspiration for anyone looking to elevate their culinary skills and embrace a healthier lifestyle! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Beyond the Plate: Chef and the Foodie's Guide to Holistic Eating and Living

  7. Sep 10

    Baked with Love: Shayla's High Hydration Sourdough Journey

    In this episode of Coulee Region Cooks, host Courtney Vaaler welcomes Shayla, the passionate owner of The Crafted Crust, a cottage bakery specializing in high hydration sourdough. Shayla shares her inspiring journey into the world of baking, which began as a personal escape during challenging times, including her mother's Alzheimer's diagnosis. With a background in food from her years at Quick Trip, Shayla discovered her love for sourdough by creating her own starter and experimenting with recipes. Listeners will be intrigued as Shayla discusses her unique approach to sourdough, emphasizing the importance of high hydration for a softer chew and delicious flavor. She highlights her menu offerings, including pretzel bites, bagels, focaccia, and a variety of flavored loaves, all crafted with care and creativity. Shayla's commitment to using local ingredients shines through as she incorporates seasonal produce into her baking. Join Courtney and Shayla for an engaging conversation about the art of sourdough baking, the challenges of balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship, and the excitement of participating in local farmers' markets. Whether you're a baking enthusiast or simply curious about the cottage bakery scene, this episode is sure to inspire your culinary adventures! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Baked with Love: Shayla's High Hydration Sourdough Journey

  8. Sep 10

    From Family Legacy to Flavor: The Augie's Bar and Grill Experience

    In this episode of Coulee Region Cooks, host Courtney Vaaler welcomes Ryan, the fourth-generation owner of Augie's Bar and Grill in Bangor, Wisconsin. Ryan shares his family’s rich history in the bar and restaurant industry, detailing how he took the reins from his father and transformed Augie's into a local favorite known for its delicious bar food. Listeners will be delighted as Ryan discusses the mouthwatering menu, featuring fresh hand-battered cheese curds and onion rings, juicy burgers, and homemade pizzas. He emphasizes the importance of quality ingredients and the art of keeping things simple yet delicious, all while maintaining a fast-paced environment that keeps customers coming back for more. Join Courtney and Ryan as they dive into the world of bar food, catering services, and the unique challenges of running a busy establishment. Whether you're a fan of classic bar fare or just curious about the behind-the-scenes of a local eatery, this episode is sure to satisfy your appetite for knowledge and good food! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    From Family Legacy to Flavor: The Augie's Bar and Grill Experience
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About

Coulee Region Cooks is your guide to discovering the people, businesses, and ideas shaping our local food and wellness community with host, Courtney Vaaler. From hidden-gem restaurants and farmers market vendors to food manufacturers, coffee roasters, and wellness experts, every episode introduces you to something new in the Coulee Region.  Catch Coulee Region Cooks on the radio Thursday mornings at 10am on WIZM, 92.3 FM, 106.7 FM and 1410 AM.

Information

  • Creator
    Courtney Vaaler
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    237
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 WIZM
  • Show Website
    COULEE REGION COOKS