[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 80 (Thursday, May 11, 2023)]
[Senate]
[Page S1622]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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               RECOGNIZING VAN HEMERT'S DUTCH OVEN BAKERY

 Ms. ERNST. Mr. President, as ranking member of the Senate 
Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each week I recognize 
an outstanding Iowa small business that exemplifies the American 
entrepreneurial spirit. This week it is my privilege to recognize Van 
Hemert's Dutch Oven Bakery of Boone, IA, as the Senate Small Business 
of the Week.
  Van Hemert's Dutch Oven Bakery was founded by husband and wife duo 
Denny and Terri Van Hemert in 1983. The bakery's motto is, ``A Little 
Dutch in the Heart of Iowa,'' and the Van Hemert's have accomplished 
that. Operating as a full-line scratch bakery, Van Hemert's Dutch Oven 
Bakery is famous for their Dutch letters, which are made by creating a 
light pastry shell and filling it with homemade almond paste. Although 
they craft a wide range of letters, they claim that the Dutch letter 
``S'' is their most popular. They also offer other Dutch pastries on 
their menu including almond horns, Dutch windmills, and creme horns. In 
addition to Dutch pastries, they also have pies, muffins, donuts, 
cakes, and seasonal items on the menu.
  Another unique aspect of the bakery is that their menu is more than 
just pastries and sweets. They have goods for all occasions, including 
homemade bread, a breakfast and lunch menu, and a ``Koffie Haus'' with 
a wide range of caffeinated beverages.
  Van Hemert's Dutch Oven Bakery has been recognized for their hard 
work. They have locations in Boone and Ames, IA, and were named by the 
Iowa State Daily in 2016 and 2017 as the student choice best bakery. 
They have even been recognized nationally, placing fifth in the Dawn 
Food's America's Sweetest Bakery competition in 2017.
  Van Hemert's Dutch Oven Bakery's commitment to providing quality 
pastries in central Iowa is clear. I want to congratulate the Van 
Hemert family and the entire team at Van Hemert's Dutch Oven Bakery for 
their continued dedication to providing Dutch sweets and treats to 
Iowans. I look forward to seeing their continued growth and success in 
Iowa.

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