Weekly Wedge - Marieke Smoked Gouda

The idea behind Weekly Wedge can be summed up quite simply, a frequent excuse to eat a slice of cheese then speak my mind.

This week I have selected Marieke Smoked Gouda from Thorp, Wisconsin. Made with cow's milk from the family farm, Marieke Penterman and her staff then smoke this young gouda over natural hickory wood to produce a full-flavored gouda much like one you would come to find in Holland.

Appearance: Typical of a smoked cheese, Marieke Gouda is off-white with the rind being yellow. (Marieke tends to wrap their younger cheese in yellow, but this is more of a golden hue) Some holes throughout the cheese, but nothing like a swiss.

Taste: Subtle smoky flavor, not entirely earthy in nature, but mildly nutty. Fresh, young, and bright.

Texture: Firm to the touch, but melts very well in your mouth as well as when heat is applied. Soft with no access oils or crystallization.

How I'm Enjoying It: Smoked gouda grilled cheese on whole wheat bread with sautéed kale, apple slices, and whole grain mustard. (I'm eating just about everything with kale these days due to the fact that my parent's garden produces more kale than they could eat in a lifetime, but the subtle smokiness of the gouda complements the bitterness often associated with kale.

I'd Be Up For Trying: This smoky gouda would pair nicely in the Fall with a stout or a glass of red wine. I could see myself eating it plain accompanied with some dried cherries or apricots. I also would enjoy a burger with this gouda over-top and a bacon onion jam.

Overall: If you are a fan of smoked cheese, but often don't appreciate the smoky aftertaste or a smoked cheese that also has been aged then this is the cheese for you.

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