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 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!

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!

Baked with Love: Shayla's High Hydration Sourdough Journey

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!

In this episode of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/CouleeRegionCooks">Coulee Region Cooks</a>, host Courtney Vaaler welcomes Ryan, the fourth-generation owner of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/augies.bar">Augie's Bar and Grill</a>&nbsp;in Bangor, Wisconsin. Ryan shares his family&rsquo;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!

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

In this episode of Coulee Region Cooks, host Courtney Vaaler is joined by Kristine Schwertel from Schwertel Family Farms in Trempealeau, Wisconsin. As the first farm to grace the show, Kristina shares the rich history of the farm, which began with her husband's grandmother, Grandma Millie, who started a roadside produce stand in the 1950s. Kristina recounts their journey from helping on the farm to fully committing to their agricultural dream, highlighting the challenges and rewards of farming in the Coulee Region.

Listeners will be captivated as Kristina discusses the diverse offerings at Schwertel Family Farms, including their expansive produce stand, seasonal vegetables, and even a beer garden. She emphasizes the importance of community involvement and sustainability, sharing insights on the farm's practices and the local partnerships that help provide fresh, quality produce to their customers. From sweet corn to pumpkins, and everything in between, Kristina paints a vivid picture of life on the farm and the joy of growing food for the community.

Join Courtney and Kristina for an engaging conversation about the ups and downs of farming, the importance of knowing where your food comes from, and the exciting events happening at Schwertel Family Farms, including their upcoming Fall Bash. Whether you're a seasoned farmer or just curious about local agriculture, this episode is sure to inspire you!

In this episode of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/CouleeRegionCooks">Coulee Region Cooks</a>, host Courtney Vaaler is joined by Kristine Schwertel from <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064334816870">Schwertel Family Farms</a> in Trempealeau, Wisconsin. As the first farm to grace the show, Kristina shares the rich history of the farm, which began with her husband's grandmother, Grandma Millie, who started a roadside produce stand in the 1950s. Kristina recounts their journey from helping on the farm to fully committing to their agricultural dream, highlighting the challenges and rewards of farming in the Coulee Region.
Listeners will be captivated as Kristina discusses the diverse offerings at Schwertel Family Farms, including their expansive produce stand, seasonal vegetables, and even a beer garden. She emphasizes the importance of community involvement and sustainability, sharing insights on the farm's practices and the local partnerships that help provide fresh, quality produce to their customers. From sweet corn to pumpkins, and everything in between, Kristina paints a vivid picture of life on the farm and the joy of growing food for the community.
Join Courtney and Kristina for an engaging conversation about the ups and downs of farming, the importance of knowing where your food comes from, and the exciting events happening at Schwertel Family Farms, including their upcoming Fall Bash. Whether you're a seasoned farmer or just curious about local agriculture, this episode is sure to inspire you!

Grow cooking contest winners 5-12

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