In this sizzling episode of Coulee Region Cooks, Mike sits down with the culinary innovator behind Kwik Trip's mouthwatering menu, R&D Chef Isaac Wilde. Discover the journey from simple convenience store snacks to gourmet grab-and-go meals that have transformed Kwik Trip into a foodie's paradise.

Isaac shares the inside scoop on how Kwik Trip's test kitchen turns creative sparks into delectable dishes, from the beloved breakfast pizza to rotating Mac and cheese sensations like the pork carnitas. Learn about the challenges and triumphs of balancing regional tastes with global trends and the secret behind scaling up from a test kitchen to hundreds of stores while maintaining that homemade quality.

Whether you're a Kwik Trip aficionado or a home chef looking for inspiration, this episode is packed with tasty tidbits, including how to enhance Kwik Trip's take-home meals with your personal touch. Plus, Mike and Isaac explore the importance of customer feedback in shaping the menu and tease some tantalizing new offerings on the horizon.

Pour yourself a glass of Kwik Trip's famously fresh milk, grab a spoon for that state-fair waffle ice cream, and join us for a delicious dive into the heart of convenience cooking. Tune in, get hungry, and be ready to dash to your nearest Kwik Trip after this flavor-filled conversation!

In this sizzling episode of Coulee Region Cooks, Mike sits down with the culinary innovator behind Kwik Trip's mouthwatering menu, R&amp;D Chef Isaac Wilde. Discover the journey from simple convenience store snacks to gourmet grab-and-go meals that have transformed Kwik Trip into a foodie's paradise.
Isaac shares the inside scoop on how Kwik Trip's test kitchen turns creative sparks into delectable dishes, from the beloved breakfast pizza to rotating Mac and cheese sensations like the pork carnitas. Learn about the challenges and triumphs of balancing regional tastes with global trends and the secret behind scaling up from a test kitchen to hundreds of stores while maintaining that homemade quality.
Whether you're a Kwik Trip aficionado or a home chef looking for inspiration, this episode is packed with tasty tidbits, including how to enhance Kwik Trip's take-home meals with your personal touch. Plus, Mike and Isaac explore the importance of customer feedback in shaping the menu and tease some tantalizing new offerings on the horizon.
Pour yourself a glass of Kwik Trip's famously fresh milk, grab a spoon for that state-fair waffle ice cream, and join us for a delicious dive into the heart of convenience cooking. Tune in, get hungry, and be ready to dash to your nearest Kwik Trip after this flavor-filled conversation!

Each Thursday morning, Mike Hayes is joined by some of the best chefs and home cooks throughout the La Crosse area as they share their favorite recipes. Catch Coulee Region Cooks on the radio Thursday mornings at 10am on WIZM, 92.3 FM and 1410 AM.

Each Thursday morning, Mike Hayes is joined by some of the best chefs and home cooks throughout the La Crosse area as they share their favorite recipes. Catch Coulee Region Cooks on the radio Thursday mornings at 10am on WIZM, 92.3 FM and 1410 AM.

COULEE REGION COOKS

From Corner Store to Gourmet Galore

Join us for a delightful blend of culinary expertise and coffee connoisseurship in this week's episode of Coulee Region Cooks, where we're stirring the pot with Jen Barney of Meringue Bakery and her new partner, the coffee virtuoso Sam Sviem. As they team up, they're brewing a storm in the local food scene, combining world-class baked delights with top-notch coffee creations.

Sam, a self-proclaimed coffee snob and former coffee truck owner, brings her passion for high-quality, locally-sourced coffee to the table. She intricately details the science behind the perfect espresso pull and the art of milk texturing. With Jen's baking prowess and Sam's coffee expertise, they're set to tantalize taste buds with their collaborative menu, featuring items like the nutrient-packed Bliss Bowls and the indulgent protein coffee milkshake.

But there's more! The episode dives into the nuances of coffee flavors, the importance of seasonal ingredients, and the joy of creating food that not only tastes good but feels good. From discussing the various coffee origins to the artistry of latte foam, Jen and Sam share their journey towards creating a harmonious space where health meets indulgence.

Whether you're a die-hard foodie or a coffee aficionado looking for your next fix, this episode of Coulee Region Cooks is a concoction of inspiration, dedication, and a dash of hippie spirit. Tune in to discover how these two powerhouse women are redefining the local culinary landscape, one sip and bite at a time.

Don't forget to mark your calendars for May 21st, when Meringue Bakery and Nom officially invite you to experience their combined magic. And remember, in the Coulee Region, cooking is all about the fun, so if you're not enjoying it, you might be missing the secret ingredient!

Join us for a delightful blend of culinary expertise and coffee connoisseurship in this week's episode of Coulee Region Cooks, where we're stirring the pot with Jen Barney of Meringue Bakery and her new partner, the coffee virtuoso Sam Sviem. As they team up, they're brewing a storm in the local food scene, combining world-class baked delights with top-notch coffee creations.
Sam, a self-proclaimed coffee snob and former coffee truck owner, brings her passion for high-quality, locally-sourced coffee to the table. She intricately details the science behind the perfect espresso pull and the art of milk texturing. With Jen's baking prowess and Sam's coffee expertise, they're set to tantalize taste buds with their collaborative menu, featuring items like the nutrient-packed Bliss Bowls and the indulgent protein coffee milkshake.
But there's more! The episode dives into the nuances of coffee flavors, the importance of seasonal ingredients, and the joy of creating food that not only tastes good but feels good. From discussing the various coffee origins to the artistry of latte foam, Jen and Sam share their journey towards creating a harmonious space where health meets indulgence.
Whether you're a die-hard foodie or a coffee aficionado looking for your next fix, this episode of Coulee Region Cooks is a concoction of inspiration, dedication, and a dash of hippie spirit. Tune in to discover how these two powerhouse women are redefining the local culinary landscape, one sip and bite at a time.
Don't forget to mark your calendars for May 21st, when Meringue Bakery and Nom officially invite you to experience their combined magic. And remember, in the Coulee Region, cooking is all about the fun, so if you're not enjoying it, you might be missing the secret ingredient!

Sips of Science & Bites of Bliss: The Meringue-Nom Culinary Fusion

In this savory episode of Coulee Region Cooks, we're spicing things up with Wayne Oliver, a culinary enthusiast whose love for cooking knows no bounds, whether it's in the kitchen, on the deck with the grill, or even in the garage during winter. Wayne's passion for cooking shines as he whips up a delectable seafood feast, proving that the love for seafood extends beyond the annual Lobsterfest.

Wayne takes us on a flavorful journey with his garlic parmesan shrimp, a dish that's a breeze to prepare but packs a punch with every buttery, garlicky bite. He shares his simple yet scrumptious recipe that's perfect for any gathering, ensuring your guests are reaching for napkins as they indulge in these succulent shrimp.

But it's not just about the recipes; it's the tips and tales that make this episode a treasure trove for food lovers. From discussing the nuances of aluminum foil usage to the joy of cooking with handcrafted pottery, Wayne and Mike dive into the heart of culinary creativity and tradition. They reminisce about favorite seafood experiences, debate the merits of a classic New England lobster roll, and even tackle the age-old question of shiny versus dull aluminum foil.

Whether you're an experienced chef or a home cook looking to add some new flavors to your repertoire, join us for a hearty conversation that's as rich and varied as the dishes discussed. With Wayne's infectious enthusiasm and Mike's curiosity, this episode is a banquet of ideas that will leave you hungry for more.

Don't miss out on the fun, laughter, and the occasional moldy cheese discussion—because when it comes to cooking in the Coulee Region, if you're not having fun, you're doing it wrong!

In this savory episode of Coulee Region Cooks, we're spicing things up with Wayne Oliver, a culinary enthusiast whose love for cooking knows no bounds, whether it's in the kitchen, on the deck with the grill, or even in the garage during winter. Wayne's passion for cooking shines as he whips up a delectable seafood feast, proving that the love for seafood extends beyond the annual Lobsterfest.
Wayne takes us on a flavorful journey with his garlic parmesan shrimp, a dish that's a breeze to prepare but packs a punch with every buttery, garlicky bite. He shares his simple yet scrumptious recipe that's perfect for any gathering, ensuring your guests are reaching for napkins as they indulge in these succulent shrimp.
But it's not just about the recipes; it's the tips and tales that make this episode a treasure trove for food lovers. From discussing the nuances of aluminum foil usage to the joy of cooking with handcrafted pottery, Wayne and Mike dive into the heart of culinary creativity and tradition. They reminisce about favorite seafood experiences, debate the merits of a classic New England lobster roll, and even tackle the age-old question of shiny versus dull aluminum foil.
Whether you're an experienced chef or a home cook looking to add some new flavors to your repertoire, join us for a hearty conversation that's as rich and varied as the dishes discussed. With Wayne's infectious enthusiasm and Mike's curiosity, this episode is a banquet of ideas that will leave you hungry for more.
Don't miss out on the fun, laughter, and the occasional moldy cheese discussion—because when it comes to cooking in the Coulee Region, if you're not having fun, you're doing it wrong!

Coastal Cravings: From Garlic Parmesan Shrimp to Lobster Roll Quests

In this appetizing episode of Coulee Region Cooks, we're breaking bread with Katie Glaze of Wild Child Homemade, the local sourdough sensation that's making waves in the Coulee Region with her handcrafted loaves. Katie shares her story of how a sourdough starter, born from a low point in her life, blossomed into a thriving business fueled by community support and a passion for the craft.

With a nod to her family's baking heritage and a dash of resilience, Katie has cultivated a menu that boasts a variety of sourdough wonders—from the tangy classic to the innovative double chocolate espresso loaf, using local coffee to enhance its rich flavor. She also dishes on her other creations, including cinnamon rolls that are too tempting to resist and bagels that give a twist to the traditional.

Join us as we delve into the intricacies of sourdough baking, from the fermentation that gives it its distinctive taste to the cottage food laws that guide Katie's home-based operation. Whether you're craving a spicy jalapeño cheddar slice or dreaming of a double chocolate espresso treat, Wild Child Homemade has a loaf with your name on it.

Discover how Katie is keeping the art of sourdough alive and well, and how you can get your hands on these delectable baked goods through her unique delivery service. If you're a bread lover or simply curious about the rise of artisanal sourdough, this episode is a mouthwatering journey you won't want to miss.

In this appetizing episode of Coulee Region Cooks, we're breaking bread with Katie Glaze of Wild Child Homemade, the local sourdough sensation that's making waves in the Coulee Region with her handcrafted loaves. Katie shares her story of how a sourdough starter, born from a low point in her life, blossomed into a thriving business fueled by community support and a passion for the craft.
With a nod to her family's baking heritage and a dash of resilience, Katie has cultivated a menu that boasts a variety of sourdough wonders—from the tangy classic to the innovative double chocolate espresso loaf, using local coffee to enhance its rich flavor. She also dishes on her other creations, including cinnamon rolls that are too tempting to resist and bagels that give a twist to the traditional.
Join us as we delve into the intricacies of sourdough baking, from the fermentation that gives it its distinctive taste to the cottage food laws that guide Katie's home-based operation. Whether you're craving a spicy jalapeño cheddar slice or dreaming of a double chocolate espresso treat, Wild Child Homemade has a loaf with your name on it.
Discover how Katie is keeping the art of sourdough alive and well, and how you can get your hands on these delectable baked goods through her unique delivery service. If you're a bread lover or simply curious about the rise of artisanal sourdough, this episode is a mouthwatering journey you won't want to miss.

From Corner Store to Gourmet Galore

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