Where The Food Comes From visited Marieke Gouda in Thorp, WI to make cheese! And not just any cheese — Gouda is a Dutch favorite that you don’t often see being made in the U.S. And this is the best we’ve ever had anywhere (including Holland). It was an amazing shoot. We had so much fun and left with very full tummies.
But before I get started about our day let me introduce you to Cheesemaker, Owner and CEO Marieke Penterman.
You can’t help but fall in love with her. Her accent, winning smile and absolutely hysterical personality are so addicting. And believe it or not her wit actually gave our host Chip Carter a run for his money which, as we all know, is not an easy thing to do.
Born in the Netherlands, Marieke grew up on a 60-head cattle farm in Holland, married and went into the business herself with her husband Rolf Penterman. In 2003, she and Rolf were looking to grow, but there’s no room to do that in tiny Holland. So they came to the United States — Wisconsin, and where better? — and established a 350-head cow dairy farm. It was a dream come true — but as is often the case, there was a downside.
After coming to America, Marieke missed the great Gouda cheese she grew up with and loved. Nothing she could find in the States came close. So she began to research how to do it herself. It’s funny how sometimes life takes us full circle. Marieke ended up going back to the Netherlands to learn how to make the authentic Dutch Gouda she craved. So many people are now glad she did. Just ask the crew of WTFCF and guests of her store the Café Dutchess. Such a great name.
In November of 2013 Marieke and her husband made her dream come true and they opened a state-of-the-art cheesemaking facility along Highway 29 in Thorp, WI. Folks. It doesn’t stop there. Marieke’s Gouda cheese has gone onto win over 200 awards. But her cheese isn’t the only champion.
