Food Trends for the New Year

What will 2009 bring for food trends? According to the South Carolina News and Observer, the New Year will emphasize budget meals and bargain wines. Under the headline, "Food Trends 2009," Quick Bites Correspondent Greg Cox writes an informative roundup of various gourmet magazines:

"Once again, it's that time of year when pundits and prognosticators of all stripes hazard wild guesses -- er, make informed predictions about trends for the coming year. In the food world, everyone from magazine editors to marketing consultants gets in on the act. OK, restaurant critics, too."

"It should come as no surprise that the economy is the dominant factor influencing predictions for 2009. The January issue of Bon Appétit magazine proclaims that the guiding philosophy for its annual Best of the Year forecast is "Eat Better for Less." The editors single out ricotta -- that's right, humble ricotta cheese -- as the ingredient of the year for 2009."

"And if their forecast for next year's dessert trend is accurate, we'll be singing sticky-mouthed praises of peanut butter desserts. The next big wine trend? If you guessed "great bargain bottles," then you're getting the picture."

You can read the rest of the article here.