In this episode of Coulee Region Cooks, host Courtney Vaaler invites the dynamic duo, Mad Dog and Merrill, from Midwest Grilling, to share their passion for grilling and their extensive journey in the grilling industry. With over 45 years of experience, they reminisce about their early days with charcoal grills and the evolution to modern pellet grills, discussing how technology has transformed outdoor cooking.

As they gear up for the upcoming La Crosse Sports Show, taking place from February 6th to 9th, Mad Dog and Merrill reveal their plans for exciting demonstrations and seminars. They highlight the importance of grilling techniques, the significance of quality cutlery, and their favorite grilling recipes, including delicious marinades and rubs that elevate any dish. Listeners will also get a sneak peek into their entertaining stage presentations, filled with humor and practical tips for both novice and experienced grillers.

Join Courtney and the grillologists for a lively conversation that promises laughter, culinary wisdom, and a deep appreciation for the art of grilling. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, this episode is packed with inspiration to fire up your grill and have fun in the kitchen!

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In this episode of Coulee Region Cooks, host Courtney Vaaler welcomes back the Paulin's boys, Chris and Ben, from Paulin's Provisions. Join them as they share their incredible journey following a devastating building fire that forced them to rebuild their business from the ground up. The duo discusses the emotional impact of the fire, the challenges of navigating insurance, and the silver linings that have emerged from this unexpected setback.

As they prepare for the grand reopening of their kitchen space, Chris and Ben highlight their plans to introduce exciting new products, including seasonal specialties inspired by local farmers' markets. Discover how their chef backgrounds influence their innovative approach to pickling and preserving, and learn about the unique flavors they plan to bring to their loyal customers.

Listeners will be captivated by the Paulin's boys' resilience and creativity as they explore potential collaborations with other local businesses and their commitment to community engagement. Tune in for a heartfelt conversation filled with laughter, culinary insights, and a glimpse into the bright future of Paulin's Provisions!

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In this episode of Coulee Region Cooks, host Courtney Vaaler sits down with Mandi and Justin Lenser from The Butcher Shoppe in Hokah. Discover their journey from processing wild game to opening a beloved local butcher shop in October 2022, filling a vital gap in the community. Mandi and Justin share their experiences in the meat industry, the creative products that have become customer favorites, and the importance of community support.

Listen as they discuss their unique offerings, including the popular smoked eggs and an array of flavorful snack sticks. Justin reveals the creative process behind their products, while Mandi highlights the behind-the-scenes work that keeps their business thriving. They also talk about their commitment to sourcing quality meats and the joy of experimenting with new flavors based on customer feedback.

With a blend of humor and heartfelt stories, Mandi and Justin illustrate the challenges and triumphs of running a family-owned business. Tune in to learn about their plans for the future, their community involvement, and how they strive to provide personalized service to every customer who walks through their doors. Whether you’re a meat lover or just curious about local food businesses, this episode is packed with insights and delicious inspiration!

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Join host Courtney Vaaler on this episode of Coulee Region Cooks as she chats with Tim Vodak, a passionate home cook with a rich background in the fast food industry and bartending. Discover Tim's journey from working at Culver's to hosting memorable anniversary dinners, and his love for breakfast and Greek cuisine. Learn about his bartending adventures, including the infamous Martini Wednesdays, and his favorite cocktail recipes. Plus, explore Tim's commitment to community service and his efforts in mental health advocacy. Tune in for a delightful conversation filled with culinary insights and heartwarming stories!

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Welcome to the first new episode of 2025 on Coulee Region Cooks, proudly sponsored by Midwest TV and Appliance! This week, join host Courtney Vaaler as she welcomes Abe from Abe's Raves, a local food enthusiast with a passion for discovering hidden culinary gems. Dive into a lively discussion about the vibrant food scene in La Crosse, where Abe shares his journey from writing a love letter to a food truck to becoming a trusted source for food reviews during the challenging times of COVID-19.

In this episode, Abe reveals his favorite spots to explore and the magic of trying new dishes. Discover the joys of sharing and sampling a variety of appetizers, and learn how Abe's adventurous spirit has led him to uncover the best local eateries. From the thrill of finding a new restaurant to the excitement of trying unique dishes like stuffed wings, Abe's passion for food is infectious.

Courtney and Abe also discuss the evolving culinary landscape in La Crosse, highlighting the rich diversity of ethnic cuisines available. Whether it's Thai, Hmong, or other international flavors, listeners will be inspired to step out of their comfort zones and embrace new culinary experiences. Plus, get tips on navigating the ever-changing menus and the thrill of becoming a regular at your favorite local spots.

Tune in for a fun-filled episode packed with laughter, food adventures, and the joy of discovering new flavors. Whether you're a seasoned foodie or just looking for new dining experiences, this episode offers something for everyone. Get ready to explore the culinary delights of 2025 with Coulee Region Cooks!

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Welcome to another delightful episode of Coulee Region Cooks, sponsored by Midwest TV and Appliance! Join host Courtney Vaaler as she welcomes Kaitlyn Kessler from the Wisconsin Beef Council to the show. Together, they explore the joys of holiday cooking with a beefy twist, just in time for Christmas and New Year's celebrations.

In this festive episode, Kaitlyn shares her expertise on making beef the star of your holiday table. From prime rib to versatile roast swaps, discover how to choose the perfect cut for your family gatherings. Kaitlyn also reveals some exciting recipe ideas, including the elegant Mini Beef Wellingtons and the innovative Beef Tamale Bites. These dishes promise to impress your guests while keeping your holiday cooking stress-free.

Listeners will enjoy practical tips on cooking techniques, from using oven-safe meat thermometers to creating makeshift roasting racks. Kaitlyn also discusses the art of pairing beef dishes with the perfect beverage, whether you're a fan of wine or beer. Learn how to enhance your meals with complementary flavors that bring out the best in both your dishes and drinks.

Kaitlyn's passion for beef and family traditions shines through as she shares heartwarming stories about the role of food in holiday gatherings. With her guidance, you'll find inspiration to create memorable meals that bring loved ones together around the table.

Tune in for a conversation filled with laughter, culinary wisdom, and the spirit of the season. Whether you're a seasoned cook or new to the kitchen, this episode offers something for everyone. Get ready to beef up your holidays and create delicious memories with Coulee Region Cooks!

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Join us for a festive episode of Coulee Region Cooks, proudly sponsored by Midwest TV and Appliance! This week, Courtney Vaaler welcomes Lindsay Mo, the creative mind behind the Live in Kitchen food blog, to share her culinary insights and holiday traditions.

In this Thanksgiving special, Lindsay discusses her unique approach to cooking, balancing family meals with her passion for food blogging. Discover her exciting fundraiser initiative aimed at supporting local free pantries, and learn how you can contribute to making a difference this holiday season.

Lindsay and Courtney dive into the joys of holiday cooking, from crafting the perfect Thanksgiving pies to exploring family traditions like making lefse. With Lindsay's Norwegian roots, she shares her family's cherished recipes and the importance of keeping these traditions alive for future generations.

Listeners will also enjoy a lively discussion on holiday snacks and party planning. From taco dip to chocolate-dipped pretzels, Lindsay offers creative ideas for festive gatherings. Plus, get inspired by her delicious Christmas cookie recipes, including her grandmother's cherished ginger snap cookies and a show-stopping pistachio Christmas star bread.

Whether you're looking for new holiday recipes or simply want to enjoy the warmth of family traditions, this episode is filled with laughter, inspiration, and the spirit of the season. Tune in for a delightful conversation that will leave you eager to try these recipes in your own kitchen.

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Welcome to another heartwarming episode of Coulee Region Cooks, brought to you by Midwest TV and Appliance! This week, Courtney Vaaler fills in for Mike Hayes and welcomes a beloved guest, Bill Feehan, a local culinary enthusiast with deep roots in the food industry. Join us as Bill shares his rich history and passion for cooking, cultivated from his family's long-standing connection to the culinary world.

In this episode, Bill takes us on a nostalgic journey through his family's culinary traditions, starting from his childhood experiences in his grandfather's restaurant to his adventures as a food broker and manufacturer's representative. With stories that span generations, Bill's love for food is evident as he recalls the influence of his great-grandparents from Northern Italy and their remarkable cooking skills.

Listeners will delight in Bill's detailed recipes for classic comfort foods perfect for the hunting season and cold winter months. From a savory Steak Diane sauce to the hearty braised beef short ribs, each dish is crafted to warm both the body and soul. Bill also shares his mother's cherished fettuccine Alfredo recipe, a lighter take on the classic dish that promises to impress.

Discover the art of making traditional gnocchi, a family favorite passed down from Bill's great-grandmother. With tips on achieving the perfect texture, this episode offers an opportunity to explore the joys of cooking together as a family, creating lasting memories in the kitchen.

Whether you're a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, this episode is brimming with inspiration and culinary wisdom. Tune in for a delightful conversation filled with laughter, family stories, and mouthwatering recipes that will leave you eager to try them in your own kitchen.

Don't miss this episode packed with warmth, tradition, and the joy of cooking.

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Welcome to another exciting episode of Coulee Region Cooks, brought to you by Midwest TV and Appliance! This week, Courtney Vaaler fills in for Mike Hayes and welcomes the dynamic duo from Fat Pat's Brewery, Patrick Longmire and Chelsea, to the show. Known for their lively banter and delicious creations, Patrick and Chelsea bring their infectious energy to the studio.

Join us as we dive into the bustling world of Fat Pat's Brewery, located in Spring Grove. Patrick and Chelsea share their experiences of running a popular brewery and barbecue joint, recounting tales of overwhelming success and the challenges that come with it. From sold-out burn ends to the wizard pizza, they reveal the secrets behind their mouthwatering dishes and the camaraderie that keeps their kitchen buzzing with excitement.

Discover the art of balancing flavors and fun as Patrick and Chelsea discuss their creative process, from crafting unique pizza names to collaborating with local vendors for the freshest ingredients. With a menu that changes daily, they offer a taste of their innovative specials, including the intriguing Cherry Yacht and the crowd-favorite Fun Guy pizza.

Listeners will also learn about the vibrant community that supports Fat Pat's Brewery, as well as the high schoolers who contribute to the lively atmosphere. Patrick and Chelsea's dedication to quality and customer satisfaction is evident in every dish they serve, making Fat Pat's a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts.

Whether you're a local or planning a trip to Spring Grove, this episode is packed with laughter, culinary inspiration, and the warm hospitality that defines Fat Pat's Brewery. Tune in for a delightful conversation that will leave you eager to join the ranks of the "Bernies" and experience the magic of Fat Pat's for yourself.

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Welcome to a delightful episode of Coulee Region Cooks, sponsored by Midwest TV and Appliance! This week, Courtney Vaaler fills in for Mike Hayes and welcomes Emily, the creative force behind Hunt and Gather Grazing Boards, to the show for the first time.

Emily shares her inspiring journey from creating beautiful grazing boards for family and friends to running a successful business. With no prior experience in the food industry, Emily's passion for aesthetically pleasing and delicious food became a thriving business, providing unique and engaging food experiences for events and gatherings.

Gain insight into the creative process behind these stunning boards, as Emily discusses her approach to design and the importance of food as a connection point. She also shares the heartwarming story of how her husband, a nurse, supports the business, highlighting the teamwork and dedication that fuels their success.

Listeners will discover Emily's commitment to sourcing local ingredients, collaborating with Wisconsin-based cheese and meat producers, and her dedication to the community. Learn about the exciting events and make-and-take classes offered by Hunt and Gather Grazing Boards, providing a hands-on opportunity to create your own masterpiece.

Don't miss this episode filled with inspiration, community spirit, and a shared love for food that brings people together. Tune in for a conversation that will leave you eager to explore the world of grazing boards and the joy they bring to any gathering.

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