"The recent pullback in commodity prices has opened up this window of opportunity," says resources expert Larry Edelson who reaffirms his long-term bullishness on gold.

In his Real Wealth newsletter, he explains, "If you think the slowdown in the U.S. economy is impacting China and other emerging markets - ground zero for the natural resources boom - think again." Here, he discusses his favorite gold plays.

"Not only are the Chinese and Indian economies expected to surge more than 9% this year, countless other economies throughout Asia, the former Soviet states and Latin American countries are also growing by leaps and bounds.

"As long as this massive new demand continues, natural resources and commodities will continue to soar And investors who use temporary pull-backs in this long-term bull market stand to multiply their money - over and over again - for years to come.

"You must own some gold in this economic environment. Gold represents the epitome of the natural resource boom because it is the world's best barometer of inflation and financial crises. When inflation is on the rise, as it is now all over the world, gold thrives.

"You must own some gold in this economic environment," emphasizes natural resources authority Larry Edelson who sees the recent setback in gold prices as "an ideal time to buy."

The editor of Real Wealth offers two "core" favorites for those seeking to invest in the sector: streetTRACKS Gold Trust (NYSE: GLD) and Yamana Gold (NYSE: AUY). Here is his review.

"Gold represents the epitome of the natural resource boom. It is the world's best barometer of inflation and financial crises. When inflation is on the rise, as it is now all over the world, gold thrives.

"And when there are financial crises, as we now have with the plunging dollar and the meltdown in the mortgage markets in the U.S. - gold gets an extra boost. Savvy investors flock to the safety of the precious metal, pushing its price even higher.

"In addition, there's more to the bull market in gold than just inflation and financial problems in the United States. Three billion new consumers in Asia are buying gold hand over fist! Previously in China, investors were not allowed to own gold. Now they can, and they are buying up gold like crazy.

For 25 years, Steven Halpern, editor of TheStockAdvisors.com, has surveyed the leading financial newsletter advisors asking for their favorite stocks for the coming year. This article is one of 100+ ideas in the Best Stocks for 2008 report.

"For my favorite stocks for 2008, I am looking to food-related companies in South America," says Larry Edelson, editor of Real Wealth.

"Sadia S.A. (NYSE: SDA), a more conservative idea, is a Brazilian food producer with operations in Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, Paraguay, and Bolivia. It is one of the largest food companies in the region. Half of its sales come from outside of South America, with Asia and the Middle East particularly large buyers.

"For the nine months ended September 30 2007, Sadia's total revenues jumped 25%. Net income soared even more, up 156%. Trading a very conservative 12.57 times earnings, I think Sadia's share price could easily double in 2008.

"Cresud Inc. (NASDAQ: CRESY), a more speculative idea, is an Argentina-based grower of wheat, corn, and soybeans. Cresud also raises beef and dairy cattle. Cresud's revenues for the nine months ended September 30 soared 64%.

"Increased selling & administrative costs held income back though. But the company is now taking measures to streamline costs. I expect Cresud to shine in 2008 as food prices continue to soar. My 2008 target is $27 per share."