SNACK GENTRIFICATION It happened with doughnuts and hot dogs. Now the humble cupcake has been reborn as a hip urban delicacy. Before: Kiddie food. After: Call of the Cupcake Boutique Confectionary. Foie gras-lollipop-Schnapps cakes are here!

How will the upscale junk food trend continue? ALT-COUNTRY PORK RINDS Acoustic singer-songwriters start selling puffed pig skin on the side, leading to widespread acceptance among the literati. Shown: Bonnie Prince Billy Brand Pork Rinds

CORN NUT CONNOISSEURSHIP Experts can tell what corn variety a nut comes from by its bouquet. "Today we're trying some Jubilee Supersweet, Country Gentleman, and Xtra-Tender 272A." "That's Jubilee all right!"

THE CRAFT PEEP MOVEMENT The Easter treat goes year-round, as local artisans produce signature batches of micropeeps. Dirk Jenkins, peepmaster, and his creations. Shown: "The People's Peep" and "Cyclopeep"