Happy New Year and welcome to 2012. So what's in store for us this year? In 2011 we witnessed the year of BACON; bacon infused in just about anything you could imagine;  bacon flavored pretzels, beer, confections, candy, toothpaste, lollipops, cocktails and more. We saw a proliferation of food trucks and food apps, an increase in food movies and TV shows, and happily the continued promotion of local and fresh foods.

What are the surprised in store for New Year? Here are some of the trends predicted for 2012:

Insects. Yes, you read right...insects. A recent adventure to downtown NY included a stop at White & Church - a restaurant that promotes a new kind of kick. Here you will find bugs in your drinks....and you will happily pay for the thrill!  Fine dining meets Fear Factor? Perhaps. Their menu has a section devoted to a fine selection of bugs from dried scorpions, grasshoppers, toasted bees, and spicy worms. How many other dining establishments will follow? Would you? Could you?

Donuts. There Baaack! Every since Krispy Creme closed it doors there have been thousands of people in search of the next big thing for their sugary fix. 2012 will shower us with donuts concoctions beyond your wildest imagination ranging from standard regional fare from around the world like Turkish style donuts deep-fried and covered in syrup; churros; beignets and Texan kolache. And unusual donuts for the sweetest palette seekers made with maple syrup frosting and bacon; donuts covered in chocolate frosting and coco-puffs or fruit loops (Voodoo Donut), and donuts dipped in just about anything you can imagine; and to cover all bases there will be vegan donuts as well. 

Meatballs. Perhaps this year's "bacon", meatballs seem to be making a comeback and there are hundreds of recipes that include beef, pork, lamb, veal, turkey, seafood, vegan and more.  In NYC you will find a restaurant dedicated to the delicate art of the meatball; aptly named... The Meatball Shop, which focuses on the simplicity and deliciousness of this fuss free comfort food. My fork is ready for this one! 

Bite-Sized foods. Are we moving from the small plate movement to the "Bite Me" movement? With one to two bites you will indulge in a feast of flavors from appetizer to desserts. Witness Melissa's Cupcakes. I LOVE this place. One can loose the guilt of eating a large calorie-filled cupcake and happily have two bite-sized cupcakes with your afternoon tea. Heaven!   And let's not forget David Burke's Gourmet pops: ready-to-serve cocktail lollipop appetizers include Cheesecake pops, and Goat Cheese and Salmon pops. Easy, fast food without the dishes!

 Haute Grilled Cheese Sandwiches. Happy news for cheese lovers; seems chefs are in the race to create their very own signature grilled cheese sandwich.  Get ready to make the switch from your good old basic grilled cheese sandwich to haute, newly dressed up cheesy gourmet treats--can't wait! But please...keep the prices in check, it is just a cheese sandwich after all.

Blood Lust. Perhaps thanks to all the vampire movies and TV shows, we are able to shine a spotlight on recipes made with blood on menus across the country.  In addition to blood sausage and blood pudding, you will find creative concoctions such as blood pancakes, blood ice-cream and blood tofu for starters. Let's see what else comes our way this year.