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…

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 v…

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 jour…

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…

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 in…

Rooted in Community: Discovering the Flavors and Fun at Schwertel Family Farms

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 star…

“Beer-Flavored Beer”: Inside the World of Turtle Stack Brewery

In this episode of Coulee Region Cooks, host Courtney Vaaler welcomes Esther, the General Manager and Production Assistant at Turtle Stack Brewery in La Crosse, Wisconsin. As the first brewery to join the show, Esther shares the story behind Turtle Stack, which has been crafting quality beers for o…

Blueberry Bliss: Derek's Guide to Blueberries and Beyond

In this episode of Coulee Region Cooks, host Courtney Vaaler welcomes Derek, the co-owner of Cain's Orchard in Hixon, Wisconsin. Derek shares the fascinating story of how he and his wife took over the family-owned orchard, which has been growing blueberries since 1981, and how they are dedicated to…

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 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 he…

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

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 …