Some of the new "crop" of Chef's in the community show their stuff. 

Some of the new "crop" of Chef's in the community show their stuff.

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.

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.&nbsp;
Catch Coulee Region Cooks on the radio Thursday mornings at 10am on WIZM, 92.3 FM, 106.7 FM and 1410 AM.

COULEE REGION COOKS

Grow cooking contest winners 5-12

In this episode of Coulee Region Cooks, host Courtney Vaaler welcomes Jennifer, the passionate owner and baker of El Coqui's Kitchen, a delightful venture bringing the flavors of Puerto Rican cuisine to the Coulee Region. Jennifer shares her journey from New York City to La Crosse, revealing how her love for her culture and culinary traditions inspired her to start a business that celebrates Puerto Rican baked goods.

Listeners will be fascinated as Jennifer discusses the challenges of finding authentic ingredients in the Midwest and how she creatively adapts traditional recipes to share the tastes of her homeland with the community. From sweet, buttery Pan de Mallorca to the beloved mantecaditos and unique coquito cookies, Jennifer provides a mouthwatering glimpse into her baking process and the cultural significance behind her creations.

Throughout the episode, Jennifer highlights her commitment to quality and authenticity, sharing heartwarming stories of customer interactions and the joy of introducing her heritage to others. Join Courtney and Jennifer for an engaging conversation about food, culture, and the importance of keeping culinary traditions alive in a new home.

For more information and to follow Jennifer's delicious journey, visit El Coqui's Kitchen on Facebook and stay updated on her upcoming events and baked goods!

In this episode of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/CouleeRegionCooks">Coulee Region Cooks</a>, host Courtney Vaaler welcomes Jennifer, the passionate owner and baker of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/ElCoquisKitchen">El Coqui's Kitchen</a>, a delightful venture bringing the flavors of Puerto Rican cuisine to the Coulee Region. Jennifer shares her journey from New York City to La Crosse, revealing how her love for her culture and culinary traditions inspired her to start a business that celebrates Puerto Rican baked goods.
Listeners will be fascinated as Jennifer discusses the challenges of finding authentic ingredients in the Midwest and how she creatively adapts traditional recipes to share the tastes of her homeland with the community. From sweet, buttery&nbsp;Pan de Mallorca&nbsp;to the beloved&nbsp;mantecaditos&nbsp;and unique&nbsp;coquito&nbsp;cookies, Jennifer provides a mouthwatering glimpse into her baking process and the cultural significance behind her creations.
Throughout the episode, Jennifer highlights her commitment to quality and authenticity, sharing heartwarming stories of customer interactions and the joy of introducing her heritage to others. Join Courtney and Jennifer for an engaging conversation about food, culture, and the importance of keeping culinary traditions alive in a new home.
For more information and to follow Jennifer's delicious journey, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/ElCoquisKitchen">El Coqui's Kitchen</a>&nbsp;on Facebook and stay updated on her upcoming events and baked goods!

A Taste of Home: Jennifer's Journey Bringing Puerto Rican Flavors to the Coulee Region

In this episode of Coulee Region Cooks, host Courtney Vaaler sits down with Sarah, the enthusiastic owner and head chef of Patty Smashers and Shakes, a vibrant food trailer serving up delicious burgers and shakes in the Coulee Region. Sarah shares her journey from working in commercial kitchens to launching her food trailer, which officially opened in December 2022.

Listeners will be intrigued as Sarah discusses her passion for local ingredients, sourcing beef from her family's farm and vegetables from nearby growers. She emphasizes the importance of quality and freshness in her dishes, even explaining her unique use of beef tallow for frying, which adds a rich flavor to her offerings. Sarah's commitment to supporting local farmers shines through as she shares insights on the challenges and joys of running a food trailer.

Throughout the episode, Sarah reveals her creative process for developing a seasonal menu, including fan favorites like the Wisco Smash burger topped with provolone and cheese curds, and her plans for future specialty burgers. Join Courtney and Sarah for a lively and entertaining conversation about the food scene in the Coulee Region, the art of cooking, and the joys of entrepreneurship in the culinary world.

For more information and to follow Sarah's culinary adventures, visit Patty Smashers and Shakes on Facebook and keep an eye out for her food trailer around town!

In this episode of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/CouleeRegionCooks">Coulee Region Cooks</a>, host Courtney Vaaler sits down with Sarah, the enthusiastic owner and head chef of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/PattySmashersAndShakes">Patty Smashers and Shakes</a>, a vibrant food trailer serving up delicious burgers and shakes in the Coulee Region. Sarah shares her journey from working in commercial kitchens to launching her food trailer, which officially opened in December 2022.
Listeners will be intrigued as Sarah discusses her passion for local ingredients, sourcing beef from her family's farm and vegetables from nearby growers. She emphasizes the importance of quality and freshness in her dishes, even explaining her unique use of beef tallow for frying, which adds a rich flavor to her offerings. Sarah's commitment to supporting local farmers shines through as she shares insights on the challenges and joys of running a food trailer.
Throughout the episode, Sarah reveals her creative process for developing a seasonal menu, including fan favorites like the Wisco Smash burger topped with provolone and cheese curds, and her plans for future specialty burgers. Join Courtney and Sarah for a lively and entertaining conversation about the food scene in the Coulee Region, the art of cooking, and the joys of entrepreneurship in the culinary world.
For more information and to follow Sarah's culinary adventures, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/PattySmashersAndShakes">Patty Smashers and Shakes</a>&nbsp;on Facebook and keep an eye out for her food trailer around town!

From Farm to Food Trailer: The Story Behind Patty Smashers and Shakes

In this episode of Coulee Region Cooks, host Courtney Vaaler welcomes Reagan, the passionate owner and manager of Milk and Honey Espresso Bar in Westby, Wisconsin. As the first business from Westby featured on the show, Reagan shares his inspiring journey from aspiring chef to coffee shop owner, revealing how a love for coffee and community shaped his vision for the café.

Listeners will be captivated by Reagan's story of how a childhood passion for cooking evolved into a deep appreciation for coffee culture. He discusses the unique name of his espresso bar, inspired by a biblical reference and his favorite honey latte, and how he strives to create a welcoming space for customers to relax and connect.

Throughout the episode, Reagan shares insights from his first year in business, including the importance of consistency, building relationships, and prioritizing personal well-being as a business owner. He also highlights the shop's commitment to quality, sourcing local ingredients, and crafting delicious food items that complement their exceptional coffee offerings.

Join Courtney and Reagan as they dive into the details of signature drinks like the stunning Honeycomb Cloud latte and the Dalgona whipped coffee, along with a menu full of healthy, homemade options. This episode is a delightful exploration of the intersection of coffee, community, and culinary creativity that will inspire listeners to visit Milk and Honey Espresso Bar and experience it for themselves!

In this episode of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/CouleeRegionCooks">Coulee Region Cooks</a>, host Courtney Vaaler welcomes Reagan, the passionate owner and manager of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577138158003">Milk and Honey Espresso Bar</a> in Westby, Wisconsin. As the first business from Westby featured on the show, Reagan shares his inspiring journey from aspiring chef to coffee shop owner, revealing how a love for coffee and community shaped his vision for the caf&eacute;.
Listeners will be captivated by Reagan's story of how a childhood passion for cooking evolved into a deep appreciation for coffee culture. He discusses the unique name of his espresso bar, inspired by a biblical reference and his favorite honey latte, and how he strives to create a welcoming space for customers to relax and connect.
Throughout the episode, Reagan shares insights from his first year in business, including the importance of consistency, building relationships, and prioritizing personal well-being as a business owner. He also highlights the shop's commitment to quality, sourcing local ingredients, and crafting delicious food items that complement their exceptional coffee offerings.
Join Courtney and Reagan as they dive into the details of signature drinks like the stunning Honeycomb Cloud latte and the Dalgona whipped coffee, along with a menu full of healthy, homemade options. This episode is a delightful exploration of the intersection of coffee, community, and culinary creativity that will inspire listeners to visit <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577138158003">Milk and Honey Espresso Bar </a>and experience it for themselves!

Grow cooking contest winners 5-12

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