In a variety of countries and cultures it is traditional -- and in fact, considered good luck -- to serve pork on New Year's. The high fat content in pork signifies wealth and prosperity; plus, pigs push their snouts forward when rooting for food, which represents progress. Suckling pig is a favorite at New Year's meals in Russia, Austria, Hungary and Portugal; in Germany, you'll find roasted pork and sausages, and in Sweden, pork trotters. But there are a number of other lesser-known culinary traditions for New Year's Day that are filled with cultural significance. Here are 7 lucky New Year's dishes from around the world. - By Katherine Cancila and Dana Vogel

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Along with nausea and headaches, hangovers bring on cravings for fatty, greasy foods. "All the sugar from alcohol and mixers causes low blood sugar the next morning so you wake up craving calorie-dense foods, and fats are the most calorie dense," explains Susan Blum, M.D., assistant clinical professor of preventative medicine at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in Manhattan. Rather than piling guilt on top of feeling like hell on earth, try these healthy substitutions for your favorite hangover cravings.

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Doritos Loco TacoRestaurant dining (or, more generally, paying for food someone else cooked) always provides a fascinating glimpse into what's hot on the culinary landscape. Here's what popped up on our radar this year in 2012:

• Forget Wine, Pass the Beer: Wine bars cooled off and gastropubs were the place to spend a relaxed night out with friends in 2012. No longer relegated to being the star attraction at bars and dives, craft beers are getting their turn on the big stage with casual eateries focusing on cooking fantastic food to go with fantastic beer. From Marc Vetri's Alla Spina (Italian for "on tap") in Philadelphia to Southern Pacific Brewing in San Francisco and Turner's Yard in Pembroke, MA., diners have discovered the sophisticated complexities of beer and how delicious it can be with high quality food.

• Post-Modern Asian Fusion: Does the term, "Asian Fusion" conjure up images of almost every single trendy eatery you frequented in the late 90s? Well, forget what you think

If you've been asking yourself what the next kale, quinoa, and cupcake will be, then read on for our food trend 2013 predictions. By: Frances Largeman-Roth, RD

What will be on your plate in 2013? According to Technomic, a food service research and consulting firm, we'll be seeing more vegetables and grains on menus, plus savory snacks, and upscale ramen noodles. And other food industry watchers predict that sour will be the new salty and that popcorn will have its day. Let's take a closer look at some of the food trends we predict will be big in the year ahead.

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Since it comes so shortly after Christmas, with all its cooking and shopping and cleaning and visiting, putting together a big spread or a complicated recipe for a New Year's party can feel like a bit much. You need a break, but you still want to mark the occasion with something nice, whether you're entertaining guests, attending a party, or just cooking for your family. With that in mind, here are 8 delicious and incredibly simple cakes that won't cost you hours in the kitchen, ensuring that you can toast to a relaxing New Year's! - By Elizabeth Stark and Brian Campbell

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After the heavy, high effort meals of Christmas and Thanksgiving, the thought of planning an elaborate New Year's feast can be overwhelming. That's why we think a New Year's party of light appetizers and finger foods (and maybe a few yummy desserts) is definitely the way to go. But even with a collection of finger foods it's still possible to keep it classy and cook to impress. These recipes are easy to prepare, easy to eat, but still upscale and and totally delicious -- the perfect thing to make for your own party or offer to bring to someone else's. Here are 10 easy, festive foods to make for a New Year's party. - By Jen Genova and Melinda Cartensen

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There's something about January and drinking. Maybe it's the way it all starts (Happy New Year, everyone!), or maybe it's the fact that the holidays are over but winter wages on, making us chilly without the cheer. In any case, January's the month to grab a warm spiked drink and get your happy hour on. And of course, the best part of happy hour is the nibbles.

We say, throw the party, so you don't have to leave the warm house. Here are 8 recipes to match your January drinking, courtesy of the spirited home cooks' community at Food52. Happy happy hour!

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• Looking for drinks to go with your bites? Check out these 7 winter cocktails.
• If you're hosting a happy hour, you should know how to pour wine like a pro.
• Got a question in the kitchen? The FOOD52 Hotline is here to help!

If you've got the remnants of a holiday ham sitting in your fridge, you can cube it and toss it in soup, or eggs for breakfast, or fried rice for dinner. But why not heat things up a bit in your kitchen (or rather, re-heat things up!) by making one of these deliciously simple sandwiches, perfect for using your leftover holiday ham! Here are 7 of my favorite easy sandwich recipes for your leftover holiday ham. - By Brooke McLay

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