Powerful, far-reaching civilizations have risen out of the Middle East. Contribution in multiple disciplines includes that in the world of cuisine. The Middle Eastern palate has created foods that have been treasured for thousands of years. Some cuisine is shared across borders, while other foods are held dear by one nation. Many dishes sound exotic—Egypt's falafel, Lebanon's tabbouleh, Turkey's baklava—but the food is just plain delicious! After discovering more about the Middle East and its foods, readers will use the included recipe to make their own tasty hummus.