Possible Clues:

• Unfortunately, a couple from Kansas are in detached state
• Separate state in question occupying a large area
• Territory sold by Russia in 1867 to prevent it from falling into British hands in a future war
• State celebrating its 50th anniversary in January 2009 (and a hint to the three theme entries)
• Baked dessert
• State whose motto is "North to the Future"
• Largest peninsula in the Western Hemisphere
• Home of the Tlingit
• State in the manner of knight in South Africa
• State that may be baked? Not by the sun