SWIMMING UPSTREAM

[HostDave]

It’s hard to believe that the much-anticipated introduction of our newest riverboat is now just three weeks away. On April 5, guests arrive for their complimentary one-night pre-cruise hotel stay in Portland, Oregon and the beginning of the elegant American Empress’ 9-day Pacific Northwest cruises on the Columbia and Snake rivers between Portland, Oregon and Clarkston, Washington. Cruises visit Astoria, Oregon; Stevenson, Washington; The Dalles, Oregon; and Sacajawea State Park, Washington. Cruises of equal length operating westbound from Clarkston, Washington, visit the same fascinating selection of ports but in reverse order.

One of the challenges when marketing something new is finding the best way to give future guests a taste of the experience. How can we convey the rich history of Lewis & Clark and how their exploits make your own journey deep into the wilderness more meaningful? How can we express the pleasures of following the Walla Walla wine trail and picking out your own delectable bottle of wine to share with friends back home? How can we provide you the same sense of utter relaxation as sitting on the deck of your floating boutique hotel as mountains and gorges pass by bathed in the orange light of a setting sun? And how can we tease your taste buds the same way our chefs will do on board with a broad array of dishes locally-sourced and unique to the Pacific Northwest? Trying to bring to life these cruises before they exist is like the challenge a salmon faces swimming upstream.

We can try to achieve the first three goals with words and pictures but neither can do justice to a meal. How, then, can you get a taste of the Pacific Northwest before you sail with the American Queen Steamboat Company? There’s only one way: create your own meal from a recipe! What follows are two recipes that feature the salmon, one of the most abundant and delicious fish found in the Columbia and Snake rivers and a source of healthy protein that will be woven into the American Empress’ onboard menus. We invite you to try these recipes, get a preview of what you can enjoy on board, and then reserve your American Empress voyage with us today. Just make your reservations and pay-in-full before March 31, 2014 and choose to save up to $400 per stateroom* on any American Empress voyage from June through October, 2014 or instead select a two-category upgrade** on any 2014 departure of the American Empress in the Pacific Northwest or the American Queen on the Mississippi, Ohio, Tennessee and Cumberland rivers in 2014.

The following recipes were gleaned from Cooking Light magazine (we’re afraid we can’t share our proprietary American Queen Steamboat Company Recipes with you but we can certainly provide you hearty, healthy examples of the types of dishes you might enjoy while sailing with). If you’re a cook and don’t subscribe to Cooking Light, we highly recommend this delightful magazine. The recipes are interesting, easy to prepare and low in calories, fat and salt - yet still somehow utterly delicious!

PAN-SEARED SALMON WITH RED PEPPER SALSA

Ingredients
Salmon

2 teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
1/4 teaspoon ground chipotle chili powder
4 (6-ounce) skinless salmon fillets
Cooking spray

Salsa

1 cup pre-chopped red bell pepper
1/4 cup chopped tomato
2 tablespoons pre-chopped red onion
1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
1 1/2 teaspoons fresh lime juice
1/8 teaspoon salt

Preparation

To prepare salmon, heat a grill pan over medium-high heat. Combine first 5 ingredients; rub evenly over fillets. Coat pan with cooking spray. Add fillets to pan; cook 4 minutes on each side or until desired degree of doneness.
While fish cooks, prepare salsa. Combine bell pepper and remaining ingredients. Serve salsa with fillets.

SALMON CROQUETTES

Ingredients

1/4 cup organic canola mayonnaise (such as Spectrum), divided
4 teaspoons fresh lemon juice, divided
2 1/2 teaspoons Dijon mustard, divided
1/4 cup finely chopped green onions
2 tablespoons minced red bell pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon ground red pepper
2 (6-ounce) packages skinless, boneless pink salmon
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1 cup panko (Japanese breadcrumbs)
1 tablespoon canola oil
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
1 teaspoon finely chopped capers
1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
1/8 teaspoon salt

Preparation

Combine 2 tablespoons mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon juice, 1 1/2 teaspoons mustard, and next 7 ingredients (through egg), stirring well. Add panko; toss. Shape mixture into 8 (3-inch) patties.
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add patties; cook 5 minutes on each side or until browned.
Combine remaining mayonnaise, juice, and mustard with parsley, capers, garlic, and salt, stirring well.

* Book by March 31, 2014, pay-in-full and Save $400 per stateroom ($200 per person) on any 2014 June-October American Empress voyage. Full payment is required at time of booking to redeem this offer. Offer expires on March 31, 2014. This offer cannot be combined with other offers, promotions or discounts; not valid on Group bookings or existing reservations. Savings are only on the price of the cruise, not valid on taxes, port charges, insurance, gratuities, or airfare. Promotional fares and amenities are capacity controlled, may vary by sailing and category of accommodations and may be withdrawn without notice. Fares quoted are in U.S. dollars, are per person and do not include air or land transportation. Port Charges of $69 to $159 per person are additional and not included in the fare. Additional terms and conditions may apply – call for details.

** Offer expires March 31, 2014 and is valid on new, paid-in-full bookings only. Full payment at time of booking is required to redeem this offer. Estimated savings of up to $3200 ($1600 per person) is based on double occupancy for a standard American Queen 9 day voyage. Offer is not valid on Group bookings or existing reservations and cannot be combined with other offers, promotions or discounts. The free 2 cabin category upgrade means that guests will be placed in cabin(s) that are 2 sequential categories above initial cabin(s) requested at time of reservation. This offer is not valid on cabin upgrades into American Queen categories LS, AAA, SO and SI; and American Empress categories LS, A and CS. This offer is based on cabin availability and only while inventory lasts. Cruise fare does not include taxes, port charges, insurance, gratuities, or airfare. Additional terms and conditions may apply - call for details.