Travelers accustomed to chain eateries like Chili’s and Paradise Bakery now have a chance to experience local offerings such as Cowboy Ciao, La Grande Orange and Barrio Cafe at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.

The go-to beverage of Cinco de Mayo is now available in dessert form. Margarita cupcakes are the latest offering from Scottsdale cupcake shop Sprinkles. The tangy little number with key lime-tequila cake capped by key lime frosting and sprinkled with salt is available May 3-5 at the bakery, 4501 N. Scottsdale Road.

Food Network’s “Cupcake Wars” hasn’t just motivated viewers to indulge in the sweet treat. The TV show has inspired Mesa culinary instructor Amee Hoge to host a similar cupcake challenge of her own but with a twist — it’s just for kids.

Mill Avenue has always been a hot spot for tourists, students, and locals alike. With the constant flow of people and changing demographics, it is typically no surprise when a new restaurant or bar opens.

A bankruptcy judge has approved the sale of Twinkies to a pair of investment firms.

Lady and the Tramp had the right idea.

Not the type to salivate over boxed chocolates or chalky candy hearts? Sweeten Valentine’s Day with pancakes instead.

It’s not like we need an excuse to polish off a cupcake, but we’ll take Jan. 10’s imaginary “Gilchrist Inauguration Day” as reason enough.

LUBBOCK, Texas — Attention, bread shoppers: A Texas company could have the answer to some consumers' unwelcome discovery that just-purchased loaves contain mold.

Imagine the cool orchid lei around your neck, the ukuleles strumming the "Hukilau Song," and your hair frizzing up all carefree in the ocean breeze. You could be getting off the plane in Honolulu soon.

Let's not panic. We all know that Twinkies, Ding Dongs, Wonder bread and the rest of Hostess Brands' oddly everlasting foods aren't going away any time soon, even if the food culture that created them is gasping its last.

A few off-hand thoughts from a man who had too much pumpkin pie …

At the risk of raising ire from fans and lovers of Hostess snacks, I have to confess: I have never been a fan of Twinkies, Ho Hos, Ding Dongs, Zingers or Suzie Q’s. And I would say, outside of eating a package of powdered-sugar doughnuts on rare occasion, I haven’t touched a Twinkie or Hostess cake in more than 30 years. They were just too sweet for me, and I never liked the taste of them.

In all the rush to conquer holiday shopping, don’t forget the pets on your list.

Pie in general, but particularly pumpkin pie, has become a virtual necessity when it comes to Thanksgiving dinner, almost as common as the turkey itself.

DETROIT — Twinkie lovers, relax.

The Twinkies shelves are quickly emptying across Arizona after Hostess announced it was going out of business.

Occasionally, when my dog thinks we’re headed out for a walk, I do her a solid and turn it into a trip to the dog park instead. On Thursday, I can really blow her mind.

The bugle is calling assembly for all Leathernecks, Deck Apes, Wingnuts, Dog Faces, Bubbleheads and Shallow Water Boys. No, this is not about throwing a costume party or casting a horror movie.

While Cheryl Standage, of Mesa, was building her career as a successful vice-president with World Savings and Wachovia, her passion for baking delectable desserts was being pushed to the back burner.

Arizona's September unemployment dipped to 8.2 percent, down from 8.3 percent the two previous months. Department of Administration economists report that the state added 30,000 jobs, mostly in government due to seasonal hiring by schools, according to the Associated Press.

Caketini (2270 E. Williams Field Road, No. 114, Gilbert [480] 786-3500). Scottsdale has its Sprinkles, Gilbert has Caketini — a cute shop run by a family that’s been baking for generations. Sweet lovers will find gourmet cakes, truffles and massive, prettily decorated cupcakes. $