Miller & Paine Cinnamon Rolls

There has been a lot of buzz in the news about Miller & Paine cinnamon rolls. Over the years this Lincoln based treat has apparently garnered worldwide fame. Being a cinnamon roll junkie, I couldn't wait to try them when I heard they were again available for purchase. A local bakery called Braeda made a deal for the secret recipe with Arne Pederson, the 86 year old holder of the secret recipe.



The roll is very good, although not like a traditional cinnamon roll. It has loads of butter and sugar mixed with cinnamon to make a thick crusty sweet top. The roll itself is small, about the size of the rolls mom used to make, but very soft with some sticky elements. This is an excellent treat and I can see why people as far away as Australia order these things. Next time you come to visit me in Lincoln, we'll check them out. Or you can get them online at www.braeda.com but they make you buy at least 4 dozen. That is perhaps too many, although I suspect they would freeze ok. Here's the PR from the website:

Miller & Paine™, a family owned and operated department store originating in Lincoln, Nebraska in 1880, was widely known for its restaurant and bakery specialties from 1904 to 1992. Many of the recipes came with the family of founder J.E. Miller when they moved to Nebraska from Pennsylvania in 1879. The recipe and process for making the famous Miller & Paine™ cinnamon rolls was faithfully protected and followed through the years. Braeda® is pleased to carry on this proud tradition.

Here's a bit from a recent Journal Star article about the rolls:
Pederson said a woman from California ordered 16 dozen every Christmas to divide among her children.

“That was a standing order,” he said.

And Nebraska home football games …

“I had to have 200 dozen sitting at the case when the store opened,” he said. “People from towns around Lincoln would take 40 or 50 dozen at a time. They took orders for other people.”

Braeda knew it latched onto a good thing.