As a huge fan of food, as any true American, I’ve come to crave these drinks/foods the most while abroad. Don’t judge me. I am a foodie, and so there are many foods that have found a spot on to my ultimate fav's list, while spending some time away from them. Here are some foods and drinks that have made my ultimate Hall of Fame:

1. Red Diamond Sweet Tea

Nothing like a glass of this iced sweet tea on a hot day. Ireland has tea similar to it, but hot tea is the norm and it doesn't compare to a nice cold glass of iced sweet tea. No matter how many places you find yourself traveling to, sweet tea is a necessity.

2. Dr. Pepper

If you know me at all, you know I have an addiction to Dr. Pepper. I actually have seen it sold around Dublin, but it’s not as popular to get a hold of as an avid Dr. Pepper drinker would like. Dr. Pepper is my equivalent to water. It satisfies my every aspect to life.

3. American bacon

That’s right. I said it. While slices of ham are from the same animal and all, it’s ham, not bacon. There’s nothing like some Oscar-Meyer bacon fresh from the skillet. Love and miss you, American bacon. The smell of fresh bacon sizzling in the morning will make anyone rush back to America. Bacon is the food of the heart!

4. Chicken fried steak

Chicken fried steak is the best. It’s not here. It should be. Need I say more? Chicken fried steak is to die for. It is like the grandfather to all steaks!

5. Jose Peppers’ Coconut Chicken Salad

Chicken caesar salad seems to be the choice around Dublin. It’s hard to find other salads I care for and I always find myself wishing for this particular one from Jose Peppers’. Not only is it a healthy option physically, but mentally it will make any heart happy.

(Can you tell I’m from theMidwest?)

Although I miss these drinks and foods, Dublin has plenty to choose from that leaves me content. The full Irish breakfasts, the popular Indian cuisines and recently I was introduced to a thing called a spicebox (heaven box) that I love. Most likely, I’ll be missing these dishes when I’m home. So as Dorothy would say, "There is no place like home." Especially the home cooked traditional favorites that you will have to sacrifice when leaving the country. But, they will always have a place in my heart and I will reunite with them again for the ultimate feast.