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ACTIVITIES

Overview

Each New Day, a Wealth of Cruise Activity and Indulgences

Every day aboard a Holland America cruise ship brings a wealth of cruise activities and indulgences, along with the freedom to partake in as many - or as few - as you please. Whether you want to work-out in the fitness center, learn yoga, pamper yourself with a massage, take a class in our state of the art Culinary Arts Center demonstration kitchen or check your email in the Explorations Café, there's a perfect onboard activity
for everyone.

Once in the cruise port, make your cruise vacation even more memorable with our extensive Shore Excursions program of activities. See, explore, discover: arts and cultural activities, athletic expeditions, city tours, shopping and more.

Culinary Arts Center

An Experience to Savor

The Culinary Arts Center program, presented by Food & Wine Magazine, is a groundbreaking program that integrates guests' love for fine food and wine with a unique and entertaining experience. Immerse yourself in the unique traditions and tastes of the ports of call you will visit. Sample fine wines from around the world or learn to make a new gourmet dish in a hands-on cooking class taught by our own Master Chefs or Culinary Guests.

Click here to view Kids & Teens Culinary Arts Center Program

The Culinary Arts Center also features:

  • An innovative theatre-style venue with a state-of-the-art demonstration kitchen
  • Multiple large plasma video screens so you don't miss the fine details (or you can watch the broadcast from the comfort of your own stateroom)
  • Cooking demonstrations and hands-on cooking classes by our own award-winning chefs and their culinary staff
  • Wine and cheese experts hosting special wine tastings and food pairing seminars
  • Special guest chefs, wine experts and leading cookbook authors who appear in the pages of Food & Wine magazine
  • Book signings, Q&A sessions, market tours in selected ports of call

Demonstrations and Seminars from Top Chefs

The Culinary Arts Center, presented by Food & Wine Magazine, provides guests on select Holland America cruises the opportunity to experience demonstrations and hands-on classes conducted by top chefs, wine experts, and leading cookbook authors from the pages of Food & Wine Magazine. Onboard all sailings, you will learn tricks-of-the-trade from top professionals, try your hand at preparing dishes and taste wines representative of the specific ports-of-call you will visit. Guests on selected cruises will also receive Food & Wine recipe cards and wine tasting notes that you may take home along with copies of the magazine. Other opportunities might include book signings, question and answer sessions, specially designed dinner menus and more. Previous guest chefs include:

  • Jacques Torres - Chocolatier Extraordinaire.
  • Max McCalman - Maître Fromager,
    Artisanal Premium Cheese.
  • Marcus Samuellson - Chef of Aquavit and Ringo, NYC.
  • Susan Sokol Blosser - President and wine visionary, Sokol Blosser Winery, Dundee, OR.

Jason Alley

  • ms Ryndam
  • 10-Day Mexican Riviera & Sea of Cortez
  • Mar. 16 2008

Jason Alley

Co-owner and executive chef, Comfort - Richmond, Virginia

Growing up in Appalachia, VA, Jason Alley worked his way up the culinary ladder in a Harrisburg Country Club until he landed the chef position. Later, he settled in Atlanta where he worked at the celebrated 1848 House, Blue Ridge Grill, and ENO. In Richmond, VA, he worked in the Europa CafÈ and Tapas Bar and eventually opened his renowned restaurant, Comfort. The inspiration for the down-home style of Comfort came from the desire to serve up simple and deliciously cooked food that people can relate to. Since its opening in 2003, Comfort has quickly been recognized as one of Richmond's most popular eating venues.

View Culinary Guest Biography

  • ms Rotterdam
  • 12-day Black Sea, Egypt & Holy Lands
  • May 2 2008

Roberto Santibañez

Rosa Mexicana Restaurants

A graduate of Paris' Cordon Bleu, Roberto Santibañez served as culinary director for New York City's Rosa Mexicano Restaurants from 2002 to 2007. Roberto recently published Rosa's New Mexican Table. He has served as the spokesperson for the Mexican Avocado Growers Association, The National Peanut Board, the international food brand La Costeña and Corona's "Take Home a Taste of Mexico" national campaign. In 2007, he began serving as a member of the Board of Advisors for the Center for Foods of the Americas (CFA) a branch of the Culinary Institute of America dedicated to the Latin American Foods. He is a member of the International Association of Culinary Professionals and The James Beard Foundation.

View Culinary Guest Biography

Pichet Ong

Pichet Ong

Chef, P*ONG, New York City

Currently pastry chef for Jean Georges Vongerichten, he opened 66 and Spice Market, where his desserts garnered him his third 3-star review in the New York Times. Pichet's work has been featured in Food & Wine, Gotham, Paper, Bon Appetit, Gourmet, Chocolatier, the Wall Street Journal, Elle, New York Daily News, Vogue, and the New York Post. In addition to appearances on nationally syndicated network programs, such as The Fresh Grocer, Iron Chef America, Sunday CBS News, Roker on the Road, and Good Morning America, Pichet is launching P*ONG, a dessert eatery to be opened next spring in New York City, to be followed by his first book "An Exotic Finish" (William Morrow).

View Culinary Guest Biography

  • ms Noordam
  • 10-day Mediterranean Enchantment
  • May 29 2008

Joël Antunes

Joël - Atlanta, GA


Mark Oldman

  • ms Osterdam
  • 7-Day Alaskan Explorer via Hubbard Glacier
  • May 31 2008

Mark Oldman

author of Oldman's Guide to Outsmarting Wine

One of the country's leading wine educators, Mark Oldman is the author of the best-selling Oldman's Guide to Outsmarting Wine (Penguin Books), which was called "perfect" by Wine Enthusiast and won the Duboeuf "Best Wine Book of the Year" Award. He serves as judge for the new PBS television series The Winemakers and regularly appears at the country's top gastronomic festivals, including the Aspen Food & Wine Classic, the Boston Wine Expo, and the Washington D.C. International Food & Wine Expo. Mark contributes a wine column and chooses the wine picks for the magazine Everyday with Rachael Ray.

View Culinary Guest Biography

Holly Turner

  • ms Westerdam
  • 7-day Alaskan Explorer via Glacier Bay
  • Jun. 1 2008

Holly Turner

Winemaker, Three Rivers Winery - Walla Walla, Washington

Holly Turner brings nearly a decade of food and wine experience to her role as winemaker. Prior to joining Three Rivers Winery in June 2000, she received an unparalleled education in the art and science of winemaking through positions at several acclaimed wineries, including Chateau Ste. Michelle's River Ridge Winery and Bodega la Rural winery in Mendoza, Argentina. As winemaker, Holly oversees every aspect of wine production, from sourcing grapes to bottling. Holly Turner completed extended coursework at the University of California, Davis in winemaking and wine grape production.

View Culinary Guest Biography

Michael White

L'Impero and Alto - New York City, NY


Chris Prosperi

  • ms Ryndam
  • 7-Day Glacier Bay Inside Passage
  • Jun. 4 2008

Chris Prosperi

Metro Biz - Simsbury,Connecticut

Currently the chef and co-owner of Metro Bis restaurant in Simsbury, Connecticut, Christopher Prosperi was one of five finalists for the 2007 Chef of the Year Award from Chef Magazine. A weekly recipe columnist for the Hartford Courant, Chris has appeared throughout the country on programs such as WNBC "Today in New York", "The Food & Wine Radio Network with Jennifer English" and "Cook's Table with Jim Coleman." He conducts cooking classes at Sur La Table in addition to teaching quarterly at Delia: The Viking Home Kitchen Showcase and The Silo Cooking School. His recipes have been included in many popular cookbooks, and he has a product line that currently includes three salad dressings.

View Culinary Guest Biography

Linton Hopkins

Linton Hopkins

Executive Chef, Restaurant Eugene - Atlanta, GA

Linton Hopkins never dreamed that he would be a restaurateur; much less the owner and Executive Chef of a place named by Atlanta Magazine as one of the city's "Top Ten Restaurants". Linton graduated from Emory University and was preparing for a medical career when the culinary bug bit him. Upon graduation from the Culinary Institute of America in 1993, Hopkins worked in Mr. B's Bistro in New Orleans, The Grill Room of the Windsor Court Hotel and Washington D.C.'s Coast restaurant. Restaurant Eugene is a celebration of all things Southern, fresh, and flavorful. Since opening in 2004, it has garnered national praise from such notable publications as Esquire and Gourmet.

View Culinary Guest Biography

  • ms Volendam
  • 7-day Northbound Glacier Bay Discovery
  • Jun. 29 2008

Lachlan McKinnon Patterson

Frasca Food and Wine - Boulder, CO


Gustav Mauler

Gustav International Chartered


Dave Pasternak

  • ms Westerdam
  • 7-Day Alaskan Explorer via Glacier Bay
  • Jul. 13 2008

David Pasternack

Esca - New York City, NY

Winner of the 2004 James Beard Foundation award for best New York City chef, David Pasternack has been known to bring his fresh catch of the day into the city via the Long Island Rail Road. Prior to opening his seafood restaurant Esca, Dave worked in the kitchens of Bouley and Picholine. Dave is a partner in the recently opened CUSTOMSHOP restaurant in Charlotte, North Carolina. He is also the author of The Young Man && the Sea: Recipes and Crispy Fish Tales from Esca.

View Culinary Guest Biography

Ying Compestine

Ying Compestine

Cookbook author, Celestial Seasonings spokesperson
and lecturer

A renowned author, dynamic public speaker and world traveler, Ying Chang Compestine is the author of eight children's books and three cookbooks. She is the spokesperson for Nestle Maggi and Celestial Seasonings. Ying and her books are featured on the Discovery Channel's Home Matters and HGTV's Smart Solutions. She is the food editor for Body & Soul, and a regular contributor to the national magazines Cooking Light, Ski, EatingWell, Self, Men's Health, and Delicious Living.

View Culinary Guest Biography

Richard Chamberlain

  • ms Zaandam
  • 7-day Northbound Glacier Bay Discovery
  • Jul. 20 2008

Richard Chamberlain

Executive Chef, Chamberlain's Steak and Chophouse - Dallas, TX; ENVY in Las Vegas, NV

Considered one of America's leading chefs, Chamberlain is the owner of Chamberlain's Steak and Chophouse in Dallas, named one of Bon Appetit's top new restaurants shortly after opening in 1993. He and the restaurant have garnered stellar reviews and accolades from premier publications, including "One of America's Top Tables," from Gourmet and "One of America's Top Restaurants," from Zagat Guide. Richard also opened the award-winning Fish Market Grill and Tarragon at Elk Mountain, an ultra-luxury resort in Colorado. Most recently, he joined forces with The Renaissance Las Vegas to open ENVY The Steakhouse, one of most exclusive new restaurants in Las Vegas.

View Culinary Guest Biography

David & Karen Waltuck

Chanterelle - New York City, NY


Max McCalman

  • ms Noordam
  • 10-Day Mediterranean Enchantment
  • Aug. 5 2008

Max McCalman

Artisinal Cheese, New York City

As America's first restaurant-based Maître Fromager and a Garde et Jure as designated by France's exclusive Guilde des Fromagers, Max McCalman established the critically acclaimed cheese programs at New York City's Picholine and Artisanal restaurants. Over the past decade, he has become a highly visible advocate for artisanal cheese production around the world. He is a teacher at the Institute of Culinary Education, the Culinary Institute of America, New York University, the DeGustibus Chef's Tasting Series, The New School, and Walt Disney World. His first book, The Cheese Plate (Clarkson Potter Publishers, 2002) was nominated for awards by the James Beard Foundation and the International Association of Cooking Professionals.

View Culinary Guest Biography


  • ms Amsterdam
  • 7-day Alaskan Explorer via Glacier Bay
  • Aug. 8 2008

Jason Dady

The Lodge at Castle Hills - San Antonio, TX

Jason Dady is the Executive Chef and Owner of The Lodge Restaurant of Castle Hills and Bin 555 Restaurant and Wine Bar in San Antonio, Texas. His accolades include: Named "Rising Star" chef by Restaurant Hospitality, Best Chef in San Antonio by the San Antonio Current, Best New American Restaurant in San Antonio by Zagat Survey® 2006 and 2007, Most Romantic Restaurant (The Lodge) by the San Antonio Express-News in 2002, 2004, 2006, and 2007, and Best New Restaurant (Bin 555) for 2006 by the San Antonio Current. In 2005, he was honored as a guest chef at The James Beard House in New York City.

View Culinary Guest Biography

Tenney Flynn

  • ms Statendam
  • 7-Day Glacier Bay Inside Passage
  • Aug. 9 2008

Tenney Flynn

GW Fins and ZydeQue, New Orleans

A graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, Tenney Flynn began his career with Atlanta's Buckhead Life Restaurant Group, starting as a cook and leaving as a chef. He then spent seven years as the Director of Culinary Operations for Ruth's Chris Steak House. Along with partner Gary Wollerman, Flynn opened GW Fins in New Orleans in March of 2001. It was named one of Esquire magazine's "Best New Restaurants." Flynn was named "2004 Chef of the Year" by New Orleans magazine. In January of 2004, ZydeQue Cajun Barbeque opened its doors. It was named "The Best New Barbecue Restaurant in America" by Esquire Magazine in 2004, and "One of America's Hottest Tables" by Bon Appétit in 2005.

View Culinary Guest Biography

Mark Fiorentino

Mark Fiorentino

Chef, Boulanger, Daniel Boulud Restaurants,New York City

Fiorentino creates all the breads served at famed chef Daneil Boulud´s three New York restaurants -Daniel, Café Boulud New York, and DB Bistro Moderne. With his inimitable dead pan humor, Fiorentino claims to have carved out his career path simply by addressing resumes to all the restaurants whose names appeared in bold capital letters in the 1998 Zagat survey. Yet to know him is to know that he is as humble as his bread is delicious. While training at the Scottsdale Culinary Institute, Fiorentino was steered toward a career in baking by his pastry instructor. Back in New York, he landed a position in the pastry kitchen at the Sign of the Dove, moving on to the Ecce Panis restaurant to master their renowned breads.

View Culinary Guest Biography

Bruce Weinstein and Mark Scarbrough

Bruce Weinstein and Mark Scarbrough

Authors, "Ultimate" cookbook series

Bruce Weinstein and Mark Scarbrough have written fourteen cookbooks, are Contributing Editors to Eating Well magazine, and are featured columnists in Today's Health and Wellness, Relish Magazine, and on weightwatchers.com. They are the co-creators of the best-selling "Ultimate" cookbook series, which features ten single-subject ultimates, from ice cream to party drinks, potatoes to shrimp and more. Bruce and Mark have also written Cooking for Two and Great Grilling. They write regularly for Cooking Light, Wine Spectator, Cooking Pleasures, Gourmet, and The New York Times.

View Culinary Guest Biography

Alex Guarnaschelli

Alex Guarnaschelli

Executive Chef, Butter - New York City

Alexandra Guarnaschelli's is the new Executive Chef at Butter Restaurant in New York. Alex received a Grande Diplome from La Varenne Culinary School in Burgundy. She then worked at Three Star Michelin restaurant Guy Savoy in Paris before being promoted to Sous Chef in his Parisian Bistro La Butte Chaillot. In New York, Alex worked with Daniel Boulud at his critically acclaimed restaurant, Daniel, where she was fish and sous chef. In Los Angeles, she worked with restaurateur Joachim Splichal at "Patina" Restaurant, rated "Top Restaurant" for ten years by Zagat's L.A., She personalizes the menu at Butter with the subtle influence of her experience gathered from working alongside some of the industry's most accomplished chefs.

View Culinary Guest Biography

Jose Gutierrez

  • ms Zaandam
  • 7-day Northbound Glacier Bay Discovery
  • Aug. 31 2008

Jose Gutierrez

Master Chef, Encore Restaurant & Bar - Memphis

Jose Gutierrez trained at the Professional Culinary School in Manosque, France. Soon after, he spent two years at the Hotel de France in the Jura under the direction of Chef Roger Petit. He then worked with Chef Francis Trocelier and in La Reserve de Beaulieu on the French Riviera. He honed his skills at the Restaurant de France for The Meridien Hotel, The Peabody Hotel's Chez Philippe, and in November 2005, he opened Encore Restaurant & Bar in Peabody Place. His many awards include being named Chef of the Century by The American Academy of Hospitality and Sciences and winner of the Mobil Four Star Award for 14 consecutive years.

View Culinary Guest Biography

Victor Scargle

Victor Scargle

Executive Chef, Go Fish, St. Helena,CA

Victor Scargle has over 10 years of professional culinary and restaurant experience working for highly acclaimed Bay Area restaurants such as Jardinière, the Grand Café, Pisces and Aqua. He's also worked at the Tribeca Grill and Patria in New York, and the Colony Bistro in Miami. Currently Executive Chef at Go Fish Restaurant in St. Helena, CA, Scargle was Executive Chef at Julia's Kitchen at COPIA, Napa's cultural museum and educational center dedicated to the connections between food, wine, and art. During his tenure at Julia's Kitchen, Scargle received 3-1/2 stars (out of 4) from the San Francisco Chronicle.

View Culinary Guest Biography

James Mazzio

  • ms Amsterdam
  • 33-day Grand Asia & Australia Voyage
  • Sep. 19 2008
    Dates onboard:
    Oct. 4 - to be determined

James Mazzio

Executive Chef, Via - Denver CO.

One of the nation´s up-and-coming chefs, Mazzio will open a full service restaurant at The Studio at Long Grove, the largest fine art dealer in the Chicago area for the last 14 years. A Philadelphia native, Mazzio moved west to Aspen, Colorado, when he was 19. There he worked at the acclaimed Mezzaluna, Silver City Grille and Renaissance restaurants before returning to work at Restaurant Daniel in New York. He studied under renowned chefs including Charles Dale, Daniel Boulud and Thomas Keller, eventually making his way back to Colorado as Executive Chef at Boulder´s 15° Restaurant.

View Culinary Guest Biography

  • ms Statendam
  • 30-day Hawaii, Tahiti & Marquesas Islands
  • Sep. 25 2008
    Dates onboard:
    Sep.25 - Oct. 3

Tony Liu

August - New York City, NY

View Culinary Guest Biography

  • ms Rotterdam
  • 14-day Black Sea & Egyptian Explorer
  • Oct. 11 2008

Christy Pope & Chad Solomon

Master Mixologists, Cuff and Buttons - New York City, NY

View Culinary Guest Biography

  • ms Amsterdam
  • 30-day Grand Asia & Australia Voyage
  • Oct. 22 2008

Harold Dieterle

Top Chef Winner, Perilla Restaurant - New York City, NY


Robert Reynolds

Culinary Instructor


  • ms Statendam
  • 13-day Inca Discovery
  • Nov. 23 2008
    Dates onboard:
    Nov. 26 - Dec. 6

Govind Armstrong

Table 8 - Los Angeles, CA & Miami, FL



Passion Fruit Marinated Tuna With Dragon Fruit, Almond And Dijon

MICHAEL BLOISE,WISH, MIAMI BEACH

FOR THE MARINADE

4 tuna loin portions, 6-8 ounces
1 Florida passion fruit, fresh
3 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon parsley, chopped

Combine all ingredients in a bowl and marinated tuna for 2 hours in refrigerator.

FOR THE SALAD
1 Dragon fruit, peeled and diced into 1/4 " chunks
4 portions of your favorite greens (spinach, watercress, red oak, etc)
1/2 cup almonds, slivered
1 red onion, small julienne
6 ounces Dijon dressing *see below

FOR THE DRESSING
1 shallot, peeled and sliced
2 thyme sprigs picked
1 1/2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons honey
3 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
2 cups vegetable oil

PREPARATION

Combine all the ingredients, except oil, in a food processor. After mixture is semi-smooth, slowly drizzle in the oil until dressing has reached proper consistency. You may need to add more or less oil, depending on your preference. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Reserve in refrigerator. Grill the tuna, slice and serve over dressed salad. Enjoy!


Grilled Halibut with Roasted Asparagus and Squash Emulsion

ALEXANDRA GUARNESCHELLI, BUTTER, NYC

This dish goes great with a Pinot Blanc or White Rioja.

SERVES FOUR
INGREDIENTS
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 large yellow onion, peeled and thinly sliced
2 shallots, peeled and thinly sliced
1 cup orange juice, (preferably freshly squeezed)
juice from 3 lemons
2 small green zucchini, thinly sliced
2 small yellow "summer" squash, thinly sliced
2 Granny Smith apples, cored and thinly sliced (do not peel)
2 teaspoons Spanish saffron threads
2 teaspoons ground cumin
2 teaspoons ground coriander (dried)
1 teaspoon ground ginger (dried)
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
4 each 8-ounce halibut filets, skinless
20 pieces Green "Pencil" Asparagus, lightly blanched for 2 minutes and cooled in an ice bath

PREPARATION
MAKE THE SQUASH EMULSION:

Melt butter over low heat in a medium pot. Add the onion and the shallot and season with salt and pepper. Cook 5-8 minutes, or until the onion is tender.

Add the orange juice, lemon juice, zucchini and yellow squash. With a large metal spoon, stir until all of the vegetables are mixed. Cook over low heat for an additional 10 minutes.

Add the apple, saffron, cumin, coriander and ginger. Stir to mix. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for an additional 10 minutes.

While the sauce is hot, blend in batches in the blender or food processor until smooth. Taste for seasoning and reserve.

COOK THE FISH:
Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a sauté pan over medium heat.

Season the fish on both sides with salt and pepper, and when oil begins to smoke lightly, place the halibut in the pan. Cook 2-3 minutes, or until light golden brown on first side.

Flip the fish over, and continue to cook, 5-8 minutes, to desired temperature.

COOK THE ASPARAGUS:
While fish is cooking, heat the remaining olive oil in a medium sauce pan. Add the asparagus, and lightly sauté until warm. Season with salt and pepper.

TO SERVE
Pour a round circle of the emulsion in the center of each of four dinner plates. Arrange 5 asparagus in the sauce on each plate and the halibut on top.


Marinated White Anchovies on Quinoa Croquettes with Spicy Saffron Aioli

BRAD FARMERIE, PUBLIC, NYC

SERVES 8

MARINATED ANCHOVY
24 boqueron (Spanish anchovies in oil)
1 clove garlic, thinly sliced
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
Zest of 1/2 a lemon
1 red chili, cut into affine dice
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
8-10 cilantro stems- finely chopped
A few grinds of pepper

Drain the oil off of the fish and lay them in a single layer in a shallow dish.
Separately, combine all of the other ingredients in a mixing bowl and whisk them together.
Pour the mixture over the drained anchovies and refrigerate overnight.

SAFFRON AIOLI
This will make more than you need but it keeps well in the refrigerator

1/4 cup chardonnay vinegar
A big pinch of saffron
2 cloves garlic
1/2 shallot, thinly sliced
1 bay leaf
A few shakes of Tabasco
1 cup mayonnaise

In a saucepan, combine all of the ingredients except the mayonnaise. Place on a low heat and simmer until the liquid is almost evaporated. Remove the bay leaf and place the contents of the pot into a food processor. Add the mayonnaise and process to a fine puree. Set aside until needed.

QUINOA CROQUETTES
1/2 cup quinoa
3/4 teaspoon salt
3 scallions, thinly sliced
1/4 cup of grated parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons cilantro, fine chop
2 tablespoons parsley, fine chop
1 egg
1/4 cup flour

Place the quinoa in a saucepan over medium heat and lightly toast it for a few minutes. Add enough water to cover. Raise the temperature to a simmer and cook for about 12-15 minutes, when the quinoa will be al dente. Strain off the liquid and spread the quinoa on a sheet pan to cool. When cool, place quinoa in a mixing bowl and add all ingredients except the flour. Mix well. Add the flour, a little at a time, until well incorporated. Form into flattened balls and refrigerate until needed.

TO SERVE
Remove the quinoa croquettes from the refrigerator and deep fry at 375 until golden brown. Remove from the oil, allow them to drain, and season lightly with salt. Place three croquettes on each plate, top with a dollop of saffron aioli, and one marinated anchovy. Garnish the plate with micro greens and pickled onions. Enjoy!


Lobster Cheesy Mac

MARLIN KAPLAN, ONE WALNUT - CLEVELAND, OH

SERVES 8

INGREDIENTS
2 cups Black Butte Reserve cheese, grated
1 cup Gruyère cheese, grated
1 cup cream cheese
4 cups heavy cream
4 cups dry macaroni
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 shallots, minced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups lobster meat, chopped
Salt and ground pepper, to taste
1/2 cup roasted red peppers, julienne
1/2 cup cilantro, chopped
1 tablespoon bread crumbs
4 tablespoons cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

PREPARATION
In top of double broiler, combine Black Butte, Gruyère and cream cheese, melt until mixture becomes creamy. Slowly add cream continuing to stir until smooth.

In large put of boiling salted water, cook macaroni 8-10 minutes, until al dente.

In large sauté pan, heat olive oil. Add shallots and garlic, cook until golden. Add lobster and cook until opaque. Season with salt and pepper.

Drain pasta and add to lobster mixture. Add cheeses sauce, red peppers, and cilantro. Mix well. Divide mixture among 8 medium ramekins or pour into large casserole. Sprinkle on Parmesan cheese and bread crumbs. Bake in preheated 350°F oven for 7-8 minutes or until bread crumbs are golden brown and cheese bubbles. Remove from oven. Sprinkle on cilantro and serve.

TIPS

  • Serve with a large mixed green salad with lemon dressing and warm sourdough bread.
  • Substitute shrimp or crab meat for lobster.
  • Drizzle on a little spicy basil as Cheesy Mac comes out of the oven.

Charbay Pomegranate Cocktail

MARKO KARAKASEVIC, CHARBAY WINERY AND DISTILLERY, ST. HELENA, CA

2 ounces Charbay Pomegranate Vodka
1 ounce Odwalla Pomegranate-Mango juice

Combine ingredients in a shaker with ice.
Shake until frosty and strain into a martini glass.
Garnish with a lemon twist.


Glazed Black Grouper with Thai Sweet Rice, Baby Eggplant, Bok Choy and Coconut Curry Sauce

DEAN JAMES MAX, 3030 OCEAN, FT. LAUDERDALE, FL

3 pounds black grouper fillet
2 tablespoons sesame oil
2 tablespoons brown sugar
4 green onions
4 ounces soy sauce

2 cups sticky Thai sweet white rice
1 cup water
1 can coconut milk
1 tablespoon salt

1 head baby bok choy
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 tablespoonbutter

20 baby eggplant
2 cups olive oil
2 tablespoons honey
4 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 sprig thyme
2 shallots
2 tablespoons coriander seed
1 bay leaf

PREPARATION
Cut the grouper fillet into perfect 7-ounce pieces. Chop the scraps and sauté them with sesame oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat. Cook for 30 seconds until cooked only halfway. Transfer the grouper while hot to a bowl with the brown sugar, chopped green onions, and soy sauce, then stir it well. Let the mixture cool. Keep it in the refrigerator until you are ready to wrap the sticky rice rolls.

Score the bottom of the baby eggplant leaving them whole, but flesh exposed. Mince the shallots and warm them in a couple of tablespoons of the oil in a small pot. Add the honey and cook for 20 seconds. Deglaze with the vinegar and cook 30 more seconds. Add the thyme, eggplant, and the rest of the oil. Season the oil with salt, coriander, bay leaf, and pepper. Cook the eggplant over a very low flame for 15 minutes, or until tender. Keep in the oil until needed.

To cook the rice, place the rice, water, coconut milk, and salt in a small sauce pot and warm over medium high heat until simmering. Stir the rice every 30 seconds for 2 minutes. Lower the heat and cover the rice for the next 15 minutes. Stir the rice 4-5 times during that period. Remove the rice from the heat and let it sit covered for 10 more minutes. Lay the rice out on a sheet pan to cool at room temperature.

Lay a sheet of plastic wrap out and spoon 3 ounces of rice on to it. Flatten the rice and place a tablespoon of the grouper mixture in the middle of the rice. Pick up the edges of the plastic and fold the rice over to create a package. Twist the plastic to seal the package from any air or liquid. Keep in the refrigerator until needed. You can make these a day in advance. To heat the package before serving, you can steam or boil the rice in the plastic for 5 minutes.

Clean the grill and heat it as hot as possible. Season the grouper with salt, pepper and oil. Place the fillets on the grill for 3 minutes on each side. Glaze the fish with the sweet soy glaze and move them to the top warming rack of the grill. Let them roast there for 2 more minutes with the lid down.

In a small non-stick pan, warm the butter and the sesame oil. Add the bok choy and cook for 30 seconds. Pour in the soy sauce and sauté for 1 more minute.

Remove the plastic from the rice packages and place them on the six plates. Set 3 warm eggplants on each plate. Divide the bok choy between the plates. Place a piece of fish on each plate. Spoon the chili sauce around.

COCONUT CURRY SAUCE
MAKES 2 CUPS

2 tablespoons peanut oil
2 green onions, shallots
fresh ginger (1-inch piece)
4 cloves garlic (smashed)
1 stalk lemon grass (smashed and chopped)
1 Thai chili (chopped)
bay leaf
1 tablespoon red Thai curry paste
6 tablespoons brown sugar
1 cup vermouth
2 cups chicken stock
2 can coconut milk
1 teaspoon whole coriander seeds
2 sprigs thyme
1 lime (juiced)
1/2 cup cilantro leaves (chopped)

In a small saucepot, gently sauté the green onion, shallot, ginger, garlic, lemongrass with the peanut oil for a couple of minutes. Add in the curry paste and chili and continue to cook for a few minutes more. Next, put in the herbs and spices and brown sugar and cook for two more minutes. Deglaze with vermouth, and when it has cooked completely dry, add in the chicken stock and simmer for ten minutes, or until reduced by half. Pour in the coconut milk and bring it to a boil. Remove the sauce from the heat and let it cool at room temperature. Purée the sauce in a blender and strain it through a fine sieve. Reheat the sauce when needed and finish it with fresh cilantro, lime juice, and salt.

GROUPER GLAZE
This teriyaki style glaze is perfect for adding a salty sweetness to grilled fish. It also helps to maintain moisture when grilling leaner fish.

1/2 cup apricot preserves
1/2 cup soy sauce
1 tablespoon sesame oil
2 tablespoons ginger (minced)
2 tablespoons ketcup manis
Indonesian soy, optional

Warm the apricot, soy, sesame, ginger, and manis in a small pot over a low heat for 10 minutes. Whisk the mixture occasionally to create a smooth glaze. Press the glaze through a fine strainer and keep refrigerated until needed.


Lemon Condensed Milk Pound Cake with Raspberry Yogurt Swirl Sherbet

PICHET ONG, P*ONG, NYC

MAKES ONE 2 X 2 X 16-INCH LOAF
ABOUT 12 SERVINGS

In Asia, sweetened condensed milk is often drizzled on toast as a snack. This pound cake is a luxurious homage to that treat. Using condensed milk as the primary sweetener results is a buttery lemon pound cake rich in texture without being too dense. With lemon slices as design pattern on the cake, it's great on its own or served as an accompaniment to tea. Slices can also be served as a more formal plated dessert with some macerated berries and a soft dollop of Sweetened Condensed Milk Chantilly, as used in this recipe. This pound cake keeps well, wrapped tightly, for two weeks at room temperature or up to two months in the freezer.

INGREDIENTS
CAKE

1 cup (226 grams, 8 ounces) unsalted butter, softened, plus more for greasing
1 1/3 cups (200 grams, 7 1/2 ounces) all-purpose flour
3/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 cup (106 grams, 3 3/4 ounces) sugar
3 teaspoons lemon juice
3 teaspoon lemon zest
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup (239 grams, 8 1/2 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
3 large eggs
1 lemon, sliced into 1/2-inch thin slices

2 tablespoon sugar
3 tablespoon lemon juice
2 tablespoon melted butter

PREPARATION
Preheat the oven to 325°F. Generously butter and line with sugar, a 2 x 2 x 16-inch loaf pan and set aside.

Sift together the flour and baking powder and set aside. In a food processor, pulse butter, sugar, lemon zest, and salt and process until light and fluffy, 2 minutes, scraping down the sides and bottom of the bowl occasionally. Add the condensed milk and lemon juice and pulse until well-incorporated, 15 times, scraping down the sides of the bowl once. Add the sifted dry ingredients and pulse until no traces of flour remain, 10 times. Add the eggs and pulse just until combined, but not well-mixed, 5 times. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl, stir in the vanilla extract, if using, and finish mixing by hand to fully incorporate the eggs.

Line the bottom of cake pan with lemon slices, which must be thin enough to curl around the ends until they're flushed with the edges. Pour in the batter to the prepared loaf pan and bake until the top is golden brown and a tester comes out clean, 35-40 minutes. In the meantime, prepare the glaze with sugar, lemon juice, and butter by combining them in a bowl.

While still warm, brush the top surface with the glaze. Let cool for 10 minutes, carefully unmold the cake and brush the remaining surfaces with the remaining glaze.

RASPBERRY YOGURT SWIRL SHERBET
11/4 cups (280 grams, 10 ounces) whole milk
1/2 cup (100 grams, 31/2 ounces) sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 egg yolks
1 cup (230 grams, 8 ounces) plain whole milk yogurt
2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 tablespoon raspberry jam (or more to taste)

Whisk the egg yolks in a medium mixing bowl until broken and set aside. Bring milk, sugar and salt to a scald.

Pour warm milk mixture onto the yolks to temper. Transfer the yolk mixture back to the saucepan, set over low heat, and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon and registers 165°F, about 2 minutes. Remove from the heat and strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve. Stir in the yogurt, lemon juice and vanilla, and whisk to combine.

Set the mixing bowl over a larger bowl of ice and water and cool, stirring occasionally, until cool to the touch, about 40°F. Alternatively, cover and refrigerate until cold.

Transfer the mixture to your ice cream maker and follow the manufacturer's instructions. After it is extracted, gently fold in the raspberry jam and then freeze overnight for a firm yogurt.

MACERATED RASPBERRIES
1 pint raspberries
3 tablespoons raspberry jam
2 teaspoon lemon juice

Rinse, drain, and toss together raspberries with jam and lemon juice. Let sit for 10 minutes and serve.

CONDENSED MILK CREAM
1 cup (238 grams, 4 ounces) cream
2 tablespoon condensed milk
1/2 teaspoon salt

In a mixing bowl, whisk together all ingredients until thickened with very soft peaks. Refrigerate until serving.

ASSEMBLY
Divide cake into 8 serving portions, 2-inch per piece. Place 2 tablespoons of condensed milk cream at bottom of plate. Place a piece of cake in the middle of the cream, with 5-6 raspberries on the side with some of the liquid. Sprinkle some cookie crumbs on the bowl and place a scoop of raspberry swirl frozen yogurt on top. Garnish with some mint.


Chocolate SchottsTM Cookies

Andrew Garrison Schotts, Garrison Confections, Providence, RI

YIELD: 36 1-OUNCE (28 G) COOKIES

I created this recipe when I needed a cookie that had a great chocolate flavor, was not too sweet, was moist and rich on the inside, and stayed slightly crispy on the outside when baked. Whenever we make batches of these in the kitchen we always make more than needed to fill an order, as half of them are eaten by my staff.

Here's a great variation to this recipe: Instead of baking the dough as individual cookies, form the dough into a 1-inch (2.5 cm) diameter rope and flatten it out into a rectangle. Bake and cool as directed. Then use the baked log as the bottom of a banana split or any other ice-cream sundae.

INGREDIENTS
FOR COFFEE PASTE
1/4 ounce or full 1 tablespoon (7 g) freshly ground coffee, preferably Italian
3 ounces or 6 tablespoons (84 g) water

FOR MUDSLIDE COOKIES
8 ounces (224 g) 64 percent bittersweet chocolate, chopped
8 ounces (224 g) 84 percent extra-bittersweet chocolate, chopped
2 ounces or 1/4 cup (56 g) salted butter, room temperature
12 ounces or 1 1/2 cups (336 g) granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1/2 ounce or 1 teaspoon (3.5 g) coffee paste
1/2 ounce or 1 teaspoon (3.5 g) vanilla extract
2 ounces or 1/2 cup plus 1 1/2 tablespoons (56 g) pastry or cake flour
1/2 ounce or 1 teaspoon (5 g) baking powder
Pinch (2 g) salt
14 ounces (400 g) semisweet chocolate chips
4 ounces (112 g) shelled, chopped pecans, toasted

TO MAKE THE COFFEE PASTE
Place the ground coffee in a small bowl. Bring the water to a rapid boil, pour over the coffee, and stir to dissolve the coffee grounds. Set aside until ready to use. This will make more than the required amount. The remaining paste can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container, but must be stirred thoroughly before each use.

TO MAKE COOKIES
Lightly butter a large baking sheet and set aside until ready to use. Combine chocolates and melt over a double boiler. Set aside until cool to the touch but still liquid. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, mix together the butter and sugar on low. The mixture will still look loose and grainy. Slowly add the eggs, one at a time, scraping down the sides of the bowl and mixing well between additions. Add the coffee and vanilla extract, and mix well. Scrape the bottom and insides of the bowl. Sift together the flour, baking powder, and the salt. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the mixing bowl. Mix on low until everything is incorporated. Slowly drizzle the melted and cooled chocolate into the cookie dough while mixing. Continue to mix on low speed until everything is incorporated. Scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl. Add the chocolate chips and the pecans, and mix just until combined. Remove from the mixer.

TO BAKE
Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Using a 1-ounce (28 g) ice-cream scoop or two tablespoons, place portions of dough on the baking sheet, spacing each cookie 2-inch (5 cm) apart. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes; the center of the cookies should still be slightly soft. Remove from oven and allow the cookies to sit on the baking sheet for an additional 3 minutes. Then transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool.

TO STORE
Cookies will keep at room temperature, stored in an airtight container, for seven days. Unbaked cookie dough can be frozen for up to three months if well wrapped in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer storage bag.


Seared Rare Sea Scallops with Truffled Ramps &
Duck "Lardo"

JASON WILSON, CRUSH, SEATTLE, WA

SERVES 4

FOR THE RAMPS
2 pounds fresh ramps
3 sprigs lemon thyme, chopped well
2 tablespoons white truffle oil
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1/4 cup chicken stock
1 bay leaf
Salt and pepper to taste

In a stainless steel sauce pot, simmer the cream, lemon juice, chicken stock and bay leaf for 3 minutes on medium heat. Add the ramps, whole, and simmer for 5 minutes stirring constantly. Add the lemon thyme and seasoning to taste and simmer for 2 minutes. Reserve and keep warm for the completed dish.

CITRUS VINAIGRETTE
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/2 cup tangerine, blood orange, lime and lemon juices
2 tablespoons fine chopped parsley
2 tablespoons kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon back pepper
1 tablespoon chopped tarragon
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

Whisk together to taste.

FOR THE SCALLOPS
12 huge, beautiful U-10 scallops
Salt and pepper to taste
a great cast iron pan and some oil to sear in

Pour oil in pan and season the scallops well with salt and pepper.
Place the pan on high heat until the oil starts to smoke, add the scallops, turn down to low.

TO SERVE
Place the scallops atop the ramps, dress with the vinaigrette, on the outside of the dish, and finish with shaved truffles, sporadically placed, and shaved fresh foie gras (lardo).

Spa & Fitness

Refresh, Relax, and Rejuvenate

Of all the fascinating places you can visit on a Holland America cruise ship, none rejuvenates and relaxes like the Greenhouse Spa & Salon, featuring heavenly beauty and wellness rituals. Choose the blissful pampering of a facial therapy or let the trained fingers of a massage therapist sooth your muscles while working fragrant oils into your skin. Enjoy therapeutic water treatments as you steam in a thermal suite or bathe in herbs, all the while cruising to exotic destinations and enjoying the indulgences that are a signature feature of luxurious Holland America Line cruises.

Relaxing treatment rooms also offer breathtaking views where guests can enjoy exotic skin, body, and hair treatments ranging from hot stone massages and pedicures to hair styling and facials. Facilities include:

  • A hydrotherapy pool bubbling with warm, therapeutic sea water
  • Heated ceramic lounge reminiscent of an opulent Turkish bath
  • Private treatment rooms, including couple's massage rooms
  • Massage therapy inspired by an exotic blend of cultures - from Hawaiian Lomi Lomi to Chinese
    Tui Na
  • The latest exotic skin, body, hair and
    nail treatments
  • Knowledgeable, professional therapists trained to guide you through your spa experience

For rejuvenation thru exercise, Holland America Line spas offer fitness classes to help you achieve optimum health and vitality. Yoga, Pilates, *spinning, aquarobics and cardio circuit training are available for participants at all levels. Take advantage of treadmills, stationary bikes, stairsteppers, rowing machines, weights, and weight machines. Staffed with professionals, the tranquil Greenhouse Spa and Salon invites guests to embrace sensory indulgence on a luxurious cruise vacation to remember.

*except ms Prinsendam

Because the Greenhouse Spa & Salon is such a popular destination, we encourage you to book spa appointments early, preferably right after boarding the ship. Visit timetospa to order Greenhouse Spa products online.

Massage and Facial Therapies

Let our professional Spa staff pamper you with a massage or a holistic face treatment as they bring you to new heights of relaxation. For joint distress and the relief from the soreness excessive physical activity can cause, choose a deep tissue muscle massage; for the ultimate relief of muscle tension, a Swedish massage; or perhaps you and your loved one would appreciate taking time for a couples massage.

  • Elemis Deep Tissue Muscle Massage - This deep massage warms the joints, ligaments and muscles to melt the aches away.
  • Swedish Massage (25 and 50 minutes) - Swedish massage uses Effleurage, Pettrisage, Tapotement and friction to aid the body's internal cleansing system.
  • Couples Massage (50 minutes) - Lie side-by-side in the same therapy room as our massage professionals soothe sore muscle and tissue.

Facial Therapies

Experience the ultimate in holistic skin therapy. These facials promise to take your skin on a journey of total renewal.

  • Elemis Japanese Silk Booster Facial (50 minutes) - Natural Japanese silk protein or sulfur compresses combine with pure phytoamine biocomplexes to produce immediate results beyond question.
  • Elemis Japanese Silk Eye Zone Therapy (25 minutes) - Taking rejuvenating eye therapies to a new level, this treatment combines reflexology with a unique Japanese silk protein compress and our Eternal Synergy range. Only available as part of a ritual or ceremony package.
  • La Therapie HydraLift Facial (1 hour) - An oxygenating facial that uses galvanic stimuli and high frequency to penetrate into the deepest layers of the skin. By prolonging the life of skin cells and withdrawing deeply embedded impurities, this facial will assist in giving a refreshed lifted appearance while helping blemished or impure skin to heal quickly.

Because the Greenhouse Spa & Salon is such a popular destination, we encourage you to book spa appointments early, preferably right after boarding the ship. Visit timetospa to order Greenhouse Spa products online.

Exotic Body Rituals

Embark on a journey to sensory heaven from the soles of your feet to the tingling top of your scalp. Pamper yourself by choosing from several exotic exfoliation rituals to invigorate, replenish and bring vitality to your face and bod