Cooking with Milwaukee Community Leaders
Cooking with Milwaukee Community Leaders is an interview and cooking show where we talk about our guests’ work in the community, cook something, and then enjoy the meal together. From our elected leaders to those working at the grassroots, we talk with people trying to make Milwaukee a better place.
Cooking with Milwaukee Community Leaders is an interview and cooking show where we talk about our guests’ work in the community, cook something, and then enjoy the meal together. From our elected leaders to those working at the grassroots, we talk with people trying to make Milwaukee a better place.
Episodes

Jul 2, 2024
Jul 2, 2024
17 min
Our guest for "Cooking with Milwaukee Community Leaders" is Meagan Johnson, Exec Director, of Milwaukee Diaper Mission, and a member of the Milwaukee Business Journal 40 under 40. Meagan tells us how she makes fresh pesto with Burrata and roasted cherry tomatoes.
Fresh Pesto with Burrata and Roasted Tomatoes & Meagan Johnson Interview. Easy Homemade Pesto Sauce. Pesto is a traditional Italian sauce originating from Genoa in the Liguria region. It's known for its vibrant green color and rich, herbaceous flavor.
You can watch the video here - https://youtu.be/NQs6B5cdmnI
The recipe is available on our website at - https://cookingsecretsformen.com/2024/07/02/fresh-pesto-with-burrata/
This Podcast is an Interview and cooking show with Milwaukee Community Leaders. We have a short interview about their work in the community, then we cook something and then we eat it. From our elected leaders to those working at the grassroots, we talk with people trying to make Milwaukee a better place.

Jun 11, 2024
Jun 11, 2024
31 min
Our guest on “Cooking with Milwaukee Community Leaders” is DeShanda Williams-Clark. Deshanda is the Sr. VP of Programs & Services for Pathfinders, one of Wisconsin’s oldest and most effective nonprofit organizations serving youth in crisis. She is also a member of the MKE Business Journal 40 under 40 list, shining a light on our next generation of emerging community leaders.
DeShanda shows us how she makes her Taco Salad with ground turkey.
Taco Salad with Ground Turkey - Taco salad is a delightful Tex-Mex-inspired dish that’s easy to make and customizable.
You can watch the video here - https://youtu.be/IIXAAMKwQc0
The recipe is available on our website at - https://cookingsecretsformen.com/2024/06/11/taco-salad-with-ground-turkey/
This Podcast is an Interview and cooking show with Milwaukee Community Leaders. We have a short interview about their work in the community, then we cook something and then we eat it. From our elected leaders to those working at the grassroots, we talk with people trying to make Milwaukee a better place.

Jun 4, 2024
Jun 4, 2024
20 min
Our guest for "Cooking with Milwaukee Community Leaders" is Maudwella Kirkendoll. Maudwella is the COO at Community Advocates, a non-profit that provides people in the community with advocacy and services to meet their basic needs so they can live in dignity.
Maudwella tells us how he makes fried catfish, a great example of a traditional Milwaukee Fish Fry. He also brought along his Grandmother's Lemon Icebox Pie.
Milwaukee Fish Fry - Milwaukee is known for its delicious fish fries, and fried catfish is a very popular choice. Southern fried catfish is a classic Southern dish that’s simple to make and incredibly delicious. It’s a beloved comfort food, often served at Friday fish fries, family gatherings, and local restaurants here in Milwaukee.
You can watch the video here - https://youtu.be/WFaGuN3nCPs
The recipe is available on our website at - https://cookingsecretsformen.com/2024/06/04/milwaukee-fish-fry-origins-and-cultural-significance/
This Podcast is an Interview and cooking show with Milwaukee Community Leaders. We have a short interview about their work in the community, then we cook something and then we eat it. From our elected leaders to those working at the grassroots, we talk with people trying to make Milwaukee a better place

May 27, 2024
May 27, 2024
21 min
Our guest for "Cooking with Milwaukee Community Leaders" is Carole Nicksin. Carole is the Publisher and Editor in Chief at Milwaukee Magazine.
While the term “rustic” often conjures up images of hearty, homemade dishes, these French pancakes are actually quite delicate and thin. These golden, fluffy pancakes are a classic breakfast. They’re nostalgic, comforting, and perfect for lazy Sunday mornings.
Carole tells us how she makes her Grandmother's Rustic French Pancakes
You can watch the video here - https://youtu.be/hkpoKOmaQAI
The recipe is available on our website at – https://cookingsecretsformen.com/2024/05/24/grandmas-french-pancakes-delicate-and-versatile-delight/
This Podcast is an Interview and cooking show with Milwaukee Community Leaders. We have a short interview about their work in the community, then we cook something and then we eat it. From our elected leaders to those working at the grassroots, we talk with people trying to make Milwaukee a better place.

May 16, 2024
May 16, 2024
33 min
Our guest for "Cooking with Milwaukee Community Leaders" is Betty Hill. Betty is the Director of Youth Development for Mentor Greater Milwaukee, She is another one of our guests who is on the MKE Business Journal 40 under 40 list, for our emerging leaders.
Ground turkey spaghetti sauce is a delicious, healthier alternative to the classic beef-based version. We also make some homemade Garlic Bread, a delightful side dish that goes great with our Ground Turkey Spaghetti Sauce recipe.
Betty tells us how she makes spaghetti sauce with ground turkey and homemade garlic bread.
The YouTube video can be seen here - https://youtu.be/6x_hBCGYkN8
You can see the recipe here - https://cookingsecretsformen.com/2024/05/16/ground-turkey-spaghetti-sauce/
This Podcast is an Interview and cooking show with Milwaukee Community Leaders. We have a short interview about their work in the community, then we cook something and then we eat it. From our elected leaders to those working at the grassroots, we talk with people trying to make Milwaukee a better place

May 8, 2024
Chef Alex Pawlak and Risotto Primavera
May 8, 2024
May 8, 2024
25 min
Our guest on "Cooking with Milwaukee Community Leaders" is Chef Alex Pawlak.
Alex is a personal chef and runs the great pasta restaurant in Milwaukee called Egg & Flour Pasta Bar (https://www.greateffingpasta.com/ ).
Risotto Primavera is a delightful Italian dish that celebrates the fresh flavors of spring. Risotto Primavera translates to “spring risotto.” It’s made by slowly cooking rice in broth, wine, and olive oil with springtime vegetables and herbs. Risotto Primavera can be a light main course or a substantial side dish.
Alex tells us how he makes Risotto Primavera.
You can watch the video here - https://youtu.be/ebHG7dh_uns
The recipe is available on our website at – https://cookingsecretsformen.com/2024/05/08/risotto-primavera-alex-pawlak-interview/
This Podcast is an Interview and cooking show with Milwaukee Community Leaders. We have a short interview about their work in the community, then we cook something and then we eat it. From our elected leaders to those working at the grassroots, we talk with people trying to make Milwaukee a better place.

About Charlie DeSando
I grew up in a restaurant family. We love to cook and be creative, and cooking in many ways is the most creative thing I do. I started this podcast to share our creations and inspire novice cooks out there to have fun in the kitchen, and maybe even learn something along the way.
My YouTube Channel:
https://youtube.com/cookingsecretsformen/
My Website:
https://cookingsecretsformen.com/







