This past week my husband and I had the pleasure of traveling through the Midwest. After checking into a hotel in Keokuk, Iowa we learned that unless you want chain fast food, the pickings were a little slim. We could have gone to the grocery store for meats and veggies, but we were too tired, yet the idea of eating at Sonic was equally depressing. So instead, we asked a local for a recommendation and ended up at a place that made me nostalgic for Sunday dinner at my grandparents' house. More

In the past we've talked about taking spices with you on road trips and backpack or camping adventures. It is the number one way to make road food taste like it came straight from your kitchen (especially if you make custom blends). And here's a way to keep them safe and sound in this oh-so-identifiable breath mint container. More

Q: A big group (currently 14!) of good friends are headed north for a cabin weekend. I signed up to make a meal — a homemade taco bar. But another friend has already declared he plans on making tacos. So I'm looking for something cabin-friendly to make. I'd like to make something a step above just burgers on the grill!

Sent by Courtney More

If you don't already know about Zalatimo, you probably won't be able to find it—or so my local tour guide tells me as we walk into this tiny hole-in-a-wall pastry shop. (Literally - the shop is nestled within the ancient Roman walls surrounding the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem's Old City.) There are no menus, because Zalatimo only serves one dish: a savory/sweet pastry called mutabak, which is handmade-to-order from a 150-year-old family recipe. More

Taking a road trip this summer? If you keep a look out, you could find yourself within easy reach of an afternoon fruit snack foraged right near the road! The following guide explains what types of fruit you're likely to find, and how to go about getting them: More

When I visit a new city, the first place I head for is the market. No matter where in the world I am, watching people take part in the everyday business of buying food for their next meal is both comforting and deeply fascinating, especially if the market is in a far-off locale. Thanks to Flickr, even if you can't take an international trip this summer, you can still get a glimpse of what market life is like from Sweden to Sudan. More

Whenever I travel to a new city, I always plan a visit to the local farmers' markets. This may seem odd, especially if you're staying in a hotel room with no hope of cooking a meal, but there are many reasons why the farmers' market is a great stop for the out-of-town visitor! More

Q: I'm going on a backpacking trip and I want to bring my own jerky, but I don't know how to make it! What's a good way to dehydrate meat without a dehydrator? I've seen recipes online, but they require the oven to be cracked-open for about 12 hours, I would love an alternative, if it exists.

Sent by Rebeca More

For the last few days I have been walking, wining, and dining in Israel. I'm here on a 5-day food tour to explore and understand Israel's diverse (and absolutely delicious, as I'm discovering) culinary scene. I'll be sharing plenty of photos, insights, and recipes from my trip over the next few days and weeks, but for now I wanted to get it started with a look at Jerusalem's outstanding Machne Yehuda outdoor market. It is, quite literally, a feast for both the eyes and stomach! More

Thinking of heading off into the wilderness this weekend? Whether you're planning an all-day hike to see waterfalls or a stroll to the park for some fresh air, here are some of our favorite recipes for keeping happy and energized. More