Join Midwest Living magazine's Kaercher as he eats his way across the twelve states of the Heartland, exploring their bountiful harvests and food traditions and sampling signature dishes along the way.

Some stops are well marked on the map; others are hidden gems. All are recommended for their fantastic flavors and distinctive character. Meet innovative chefs from renowned restaurants as well as the personalities behind the counter at the local neighborhood cafe. Come along to the produce auction and talk shop with the farmers who raise the crops. Learn the ethnic origins of the region's favorite foods and try wild variations on old-time favorites.

But this trip isn't all about eating -- you can choose sides in the fried chicken wars of Kansas, watch brewers at work in Wisconsin, tour a vinegar museum in South Dakota, learn the legend of Norwegian lutefisk in Minnesota and much more.

Kaercher also provides practical information to help you plan your own gastronomic adventure. Can't make the trip this year? Take advantage of the mail-order listings in each chapter, read about quirky food-related fairs and festivals, and warm your own kitchen with the 101 recipes in this book.

If you love the Midwest, you'll appreciate the author's passion for life in the Heartland. Whether you seek sophisticated dining or down-home fare, you'll love every Taste of the Midwest.