'A Taste of Celebration' Cookbook by Holland America Line Master Chef Rudi Sodamin Now Available in Bookstores

News provided by

Sep 08, 2010, 05:02 ET

SEATTLE, Sept. 8 /PRNewswire/ -- Holland America Line's Master Chef Rudi Sodamin has written his third cookbook, "A Taste of Celebration," which is now available for purchase in bookstores and aboard the line's ships. The new cookbook completes the Holland America Line Culinary Signature Collections cookbooks, published by Rizzoli. The first two titles are Sodamin's "A Taste of Excellence" and "A Taste of Elegance."

"A Taste of Celebration" is filled with Sodamin's inspired recipes for complete menus - from appetizers to desserts - for 16 celebratory occasions. These include 11 holidays: Valentine's Day, Passover, Easter, Mother's Day, Memorial Day, Father's Day, Fourth of July, Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas and New Year's Eve. Also included are recipes for a Captain's Dinner, Master Chef's Dinner (a Holland America Line signature event), Super Bowl Sunday, birthday or anniversary celebration and a cocktail party. All of the menus feature distinctive four-star favorites from Sodamin's extensive recipe collection.

"Once again, Master Chef Rudi Sodamin has produced an original and extraordinary cookbook that will inspire our guests and food lovers to create sumptuous meals on special occasions," said Richard D. Meadows, CTC, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs. "Rudi's distinctive style and innovative ideas have earned Holland America Line numerous culinary awards and set the standard in premium cruise cuisine."

The new cookbook is designed to motivate readers to create memorable meals to celebrate their own special occasions. It features tantalizing photos of each dish to complement the mouth-watering recipes. Sodamin also offers helpful hints from purchasing ingredients to preparing the dishes.

Sodamin is internationally recognized as a food authority and one of the hospitality industry's most innovative chefs. He continues to direct the evolution of fine dining and unique menu options at Holland America Line, including the introduction of alternative dining venues such as the Italian-themed Canaletto and pan-Asian Tamarind, a highly acclaimed, exclusive dining experience on Signature-class ships ms Eurodam and ms Nieuw Amsterdam.

Sodamin's ideas have been instrumental in the development of Holland America Line's onboard culinary program, including the popular Culinary Arts Center presented by "Food & Wine" magazine. The centers enable guests to watch cooking demonstrations conducted by shipboard and celebrated guest chefs, as well as participate in small-group cooking lessons. Each center is equipped with state-of-the art cooking facilities set in a theater with audio-video systems to provide up-close viewing of the demonstrations.

Sodamin is a member of the Academy Culinaire de France, Maitres Cuisiners de France and Honoree Member Club des Chefs des Chefs.

"A Taste of Celebration" is available for purchase on the ships and through major retail bookstores. For more information on Holland America Line cruises, consult a travel agent, call 1-877-SAIL-HAL (877-724-5425) or visit www.hollandamerica.com.

Find Holland America Line on Twitter, Facebook and the Holland America Blog. Access all social media outlets via the Online Communities quick link at www.hollandamerica.com.

About Holland America Line [a division of Carnival Corporation and plc (NYSE: CCL and CUK)]

Holland America Line's fleet of 15 ships offers more than 500 cruises to 350 ports in more than 100 countries, territories or dependencies. Two- to 110-day itineraries visit all seven continents and highlights include Antarctica, South America, Australia/New Zealand and Asia voyages; a Grand World Voyage; and popular sailings to ports in the Caribbean, Bermuda, Alaska, Mexico, Canada/New England, Europe and Panama Canal.

Fleetwide, the company features Signature of Excellence enhancements, a commitment totaling more than $525 million, that showcase the Culinary Arts Center presented by Food & Wine magazine - a state-of-the-art onboard show kitchen where more than 60 celebrated guest chefs and culinary experts provide cooking demonstrations and classes - Explorations Cafe powered by The New York Times, Digital Workshop powered by Windows, teens-only activity areas and all new stateroom amenities highlighted by flat-panel TVs and plush Euro-top Mariner's Dream Beds.

World's Leading Cruise Lines

Holland America Line is a proud member of World's Leading Cruise Lines. Our exclusive alliance also includes Carnival Cruise Lines, Cunard Line, Princess Cruises, Costa Cruises and The Yachts of Seabourn. Sharing a passion to please each guest and a commitment to quality and value, World's Leading Cruise Lines inspires people to discover their best vacation experience. Together, we offer a variety of exciting and enriching cruise vacations to the world's most desirable destinations. Visit us at www.worldsleadingcruiselines.com