A few days ago, we shared our most clicked, shared and commented-upon stories of 2012, but life isn't always a popularity contest. Here are a few food stories we're proud to have shared.

Eat them before they eat everything
A growing number of conservationists are advocating the consumption of invasive species in an effort to fend off environmental destruction, but are American eaters ready to order up roasted water rat and a side of kudzu vine?

Farmers aren't evil. Now can we have a civil conversation?
In 2012, we handed our bullhorn over to farmers like Ryan Goodman, Brian Scott, Craig Rogers and Mike Haley so consumers could speak with them directly about animal rights, GMO crops, the fallout of the 2012 drought and myths and misconceptions about where consumers' grocery dollars are going. It wasn't always pretty, but we saw it as a giant stride toward a better food system for everyone.

Chefs with Issues: Food for the heart
Chef Michael Anthony received the James Beard Award for Best Chef NYC in 2012, but he almost didn't live to see that day. He shared this meditation on hospitality and gratitude.

Hugh Acheson: Southern food, beyond the butter
Headlines about Paula Deen's diabetes disclosure (and lucrative pharmaceutical deal) abounded - along with some wholesale blame of Southern food for her condition. Hugh Acheson wasn't standing for that.
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Holiday party season is time to eat, drink and be merry. But too much merriment can sometimes result in a not-so-celebratory hangover.

Dehydration is a main factor behind hangovers, as the body recovers from alcohol consumption.

CNN Health shares some myths vs. facts on hangovers, and what you can do to feel better.

Previously - Our readers weigh in on their favorite hangover remedies

Ex-con Dave Dahl is on the rise after multiple prison stints, with a fresh start at his family's popular bakery business, Dave's Killer Bread.

Via KATU

Americans who celebrate on New Year's Eve with a bottle of champagne, party hats and a kiss at midnight have an important lesson to learn from the rest of the world (and certain regions of this country): The arrival of the new year is meant for feasting.

As the new year arrives around the globe, special cakes and breads abound, as do long noodles (representing long life), field peas (representing coins), herring (representing abundance) and pigs (representing good luck). The particulars vary, but the general theme is the same: to sit down and share a meal with family and friends to usher in a year of prosperity.

Here are some of the common traditions around the world and a few hints about where to partake in them:
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While you're frying up some eggs and bacon, we're cooking up something else: a way to celebrate today's food holiday.

Everything’s better with bubbles! December 31 is National Champagne Day.

It’s no coincidence that National Champagne Day falls on New Years Eve; the two are probably one of life’s more obvious pairings. In France (and New Orleans), the new year is ushered in with a lavish Réveillon feast where extravagant dishes like lobster, foie gras and escargot are served.

Because Champagne has long since been associated with celebrations, it’s no surprise it was, and still is, the drink of choice for the festivities. Since then, the tradition of toasting the year to come with Champagne can be found worldwide. But, not all countries can rightfully claim to be serving or producing Champagne.
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