TULIPS ARE NOT THE ONLY PRODUCT THE DUTCH ARE WORLD FAMOUS FOR

When in the Netherlands, just say 'Cheese'. - courtesy of AMA Waterways

ABOUT AMA WATERWAYS - Family-owned and operated, they're known for their award-winning river cruise ships, exquisite cuisine, authentic experiences, and above all else, its unparalleled service. 

LIMITED TIME - 20TH ANNIVERSARY OFFER - Reserve any 2022 Europe or Mekong River cruise by September 30, 2022 to receive the offer. 

FREE Airfare for ALL gateways in US and Canada (yes, even Winnipeg!) + $20 per person reduced deposit on ALL 2022 Europe an Mekong Sailings. 

Best of all, it's combinable with Double Loyalty Savings of $200 per person exclusively for AMA Waterways past guests! 

READ ON BELOW for more deets! 

While some believe France has a monopoly on European cheese, the Netherlands is one of the largest cheese exporters in Europe. 

In fact, the Netherlands was one of the top countries for cheese consumption per capita in 2014, with individuals eating an average 42.7 pounds of cheese each year. 

HISTORIC CHEESE MARKETS

A handful of Dutch Cheese Markets honour a fascinating tradition that all begins with farmers bringing their cheese to market.

The cheese wheels are stacked into barrows and carried ceremoniously into town by teams of porters wearing brightly coloured straw hats.  A lively bargaining ritual thus ensues involving hand-clapping and shouting between sellers and buyers, a tradition known locally as 'handjeklap'. 

Only after the price is agreed upon, are the wheels weighed on cheese scales and displayed for sale. 

Seasonal cheese market traditions can still be observed in the Dutch towns of Alkmaar, famous for its 400-year-old market, and Edam, which features horse-drawn carriages and boats to transport the wheels to it's 18th century Weigh House.

The cities of Gouda, Hoorn and Woerden also have their own unique traditions. 

During AMA Waterways 'Tulip Time' cruises, you can visit the city of Gouda on an excursion from Rotterdam, during which you'll have a chance to see the historic Weigh House where the cheese was once scaled.

AS GOUDA AS GOLD

The Netherlands is renowned for its Gouda, a style of cheese that, when aged, has a crystallized texture and distinctive butterscotch flavour.  Traditionally made from cow's milk and named for the city in South Holland where it's originally traded, Gouda has been produced since the end of the 12th century and accounts for half of all Dutch cheese productions. 

Following the simple recipe below, you can melt shivers away this winter and get a taste of the Netherlands cheesy pride and joy, right in your own home.


Photo: Gouda Cheese 

But where's the fun in that, when you can go on a river cruise and experience it first hand?! 


Photo: Culinary pleasures abound on board AMA Waterways 

DUTCH CHEESE SOUP RECIPE

Ingredients:

1 onion / 2 carrots / 2 celery stalks / 3 gloves garlic / 6 c. cauliflower florets / 3 Tbsps extra-virgin olive oil, divided

Salt and ground pepper to taste / 1 bay leaf / 6 c. chicken broth / 2 c. grated grouda / 1 tsp mustard (Dijon-style or English) / 1/4 c. half-and-half / 1 Tbsp butter / 1 sprig fresh rosemary, chopped coarsely / 2-3 thin slices of prosciutto, julienned

Preparation:

Roughly chop the onion, carrots, celery and garlic and combine with the cauliflower, 1 Tbsp olive oil and salt and pepper in a large soup pot. 

Cook over medium heat until veggies are soft and onions become translucent, about 20-25 minutes.  

Add the bay leaf and chicken broth, bring to a simmer.  Cover and cook for 15-20 minutes. 

Remove the bay leaf and puree soup until smooth.

Just prior to serving the soup, stir in the gouda, mustard, half-and-half and butter. 

Taste and season salt and pepper if needed.  Continue to cook until the cheese has melted and soup is smooth, 1-2 minutes. 

In a small pan, heat remaining Tbsp of olive oil over medium-high heat, quickly fry the rosemary and prosciutto until crispy and aromatic.


Photo: Dutch Cheese Soup 

Makes 8-10 servings. 

Venture to the Netherlands for it's flavourful cheese products when sailing on AMA Waterways 'Best of Holland & Belgium' and 'Tulip Time' sailings. 

LIMITED TIME - 20TH ANNIVERSARY OFFER - Reserve any 2022 Europe or Mekong River cruise by September 30, 2022 to receive the offer. 

FREE Airfare for ALL gateways in US and Canada (yes, even Winnipeg!) + $20 per person reduced deposit on ALL 2022 Europe an Mekong Sailings. 

Best of all, it's combinable with Double Loyalty Savings of $200 per person exclusively for AMA Waterways past guests! 

WHAT'S INCLUDED IN YOUR RIVER CRUISE FARE

-  airport transfers to and from the ship

-  all fine dining in multiple venues

-  fine wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner

-  complimentary daily Sip & Sail cocktail hour

-  a variety of included excursions, such as hikes, bike rides and tasting tours

-  complimentary high-quality Wi-Fi

-  and so much more! 

Have you been thinking about finally doing that River Cruise you've always dreamed and talked about?  Now's the time ... you know where to find me!