The culinary trailblazers behind H-town Streats Food Truck aren't afraid to get creative in the kitchen. Their food truck's menu contains an eclectic mix of fare from near and far, but customers do say that a few of the creative eats stand out in the crowd.

The Shorty Mac grilled cheese is one of these exemplary creations. Instead of the typical slice of cheese and pat of butter, the Shorty Mac sports gooey mac and cheese tucked between two pieces of toast atop a layer of short rib beef. Yelp reviewers give it raves across the board and post photos to corroborate their stories. Regular patrons also love the fried avocado tacos, which are stuffed with uniquely crunchy deep-fried avocado. If neither of these items appeal to you, then perhaps H-town's Monte Cristo balls will. The fried spheres of ham and cheese also enjoy popularity among the food truck's customers.

H-town Streats Food Truck
Serving locations throughout Houston
www.facebook.com/Htownstreats
www.yelp.com/biz/h-town-streats-houston

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/Karen

Fresh vegetables have a shorter lifespan than their frozen counterparts, so you likely want to make them last as long as possible when you purchase them. Use these expert tips to help you maintain a healthy diet and maximize the lifespan of your produce.

1. Choose firm veggies. Vegetables like cucumbers, peppers, and onions should be firm, even colored, and free of bruises or other signs of damage. Be sure to pick these vegetables up in your hands and feel for consistent texture all the way around.
2. Know your leafy greens. Green vegetables like spinach, kale, and lettuce should be crisp and brightly colored, with no visible signs of wilting or rot. You can also give these leafy vegetables a good whiff before buying to make sure that they don’t smell moldy.
3. Inspect your root vegetables. The best potatoes, carrots, garlic, and other root vegetables may be a bit trickier to identify, but these simple tips can help: Look for cracking along the surface of the vegetable (an indicator that it's too dry), and be sure to avoid root veggies that smell rotten or moldy.
4. Know your farmers' market veggies. If you regularly buy your produce at a supermarket, keep in mind that these types of stores use different techniques to make veggies look perfect. While farmers' market vegetables may not look as pretty, they’re still just as tasty.

How to Select Fresh, Ripe Produce [Lifehacker]
How to Pick Fruits & Veggies [Good Housekeeping]
Raw Produce: Selecting and Serving it Safely [FDA]
Choosing Fresh Fruits and Vegetables [Family Circle]

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/Peet Sneekes

There's more to Houston that just bright lights and a little Western flair. In fact, you'll find that many of Houston's attractions lie just outside the city. Case in point: These two must-visit parks near Houston. One park lies on the river, while the other is known for its vast biological diversity. Either way, both make for a memorable getaway.

Big Thicket National Preserve
Big Thicket National Preserve is located about two hours outside of Houston. Here, you can find species from very different habitats living among each other in a relatively small area. Take a hike on a variety of different trails, ranging from a brisk boardwalk stroll to an extreme 15 mile trek. The preserve is also a popular destination for birdwatching, as approximately 185 migratory bird species make Big Thicket their home between March and early May. Canoeing and kayaking enthusiasts travel to Big Thicket year-round to cruise the Neches River and Village Creek.

Stephen F. Austin State Park
You'll find Stephen F. Austin State Park just 30 minutes from the outskirts of Houston, so it makes a quick day trip for anyone looking to get outdoors. This scenic retreat offers traditional camping activities such as hiking and fishing, as well as the more modern geocaching. If you'd like to keep it simple, go fishing for catfish along the Brazos River. There are wide variety of campsites to accommodate your camping needs, whether they be a place to hook up your RV, a cabin for shelter, or just a little spot to put your tent.

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/Arup Malakar