With 2011 behind us, it’s time to see what 2012 has in store for the upcoming year; that is, what’s on the pantry shelves, atop the kitchen range or in the oven, on the grill, or at the restaurants. The foods we prepare and serve and the restaurant menus from which we make selections will most likely be a little different, showing new trends with new ideas.

High food prices are certainly the topic of most everyone’s conversation, with healthful food alternatives being at the top of the list.

The Food Channel, Fox News and Nicole Marshall Middleton, World News writer, have boldly predicted how, what and where people will be enjoying what they eat in the Chinese Year of the Dragon.

All three resources predict that there will be more outdoor cooking—what is referred to as social cooking. "Expect to see more and more expansive outdoor kitchens. Piece-by-piece many homeowners have built another dream kitchen just steps away from their back door. In 2012 ...