One of Nebraska’s most unique delicacies — the combination of savory chili and sweet cinnamon rolls — has gotten a stamp of understanding from famed television personality and food scientist Alton Brown.
Ahead of his live show Tuesday at the Lied Center for Performing Arts, the food show presenter took to Instagram to share a memory from his last visit to Lincoln. He said he was “a bit taken aback” by the suggestion that chili and cinnamon buns make a delicious combination.
“Apparently I offended quite a few people by acquiring chili and cinnamon buns last time and then assembling them incorrectly for consumption,” Brown said.
While we can’t fault the California native, he did indeed blend the two improperly.
“Last time I poured the chili on it,” Brown admitted, before acknowledging his error. “I was supposed to dip it.” He followed up by asking the foodies of Lincoln where he could purchase a pair of chili and cinnamon rolls, in order to “make amends.”
“I will attempt to treat them with due respect and see if I can figure this out. I mean, I do kind of get it, but I don’t get it,” he said.
Wednesday, Brown delivered his follow up. This time, properly dipping and “dunking” a piece of the bun into his bowl of chili.
After a pensive sampling and a sip of red wine, Brown goes in for seconds—this time employing a more advanced scooping technique with the bun to stack on extra chili. He quickly follows with a third scoop, then dabs his mouth with a napkin and takes another sip of wine.
Seeped in thought, his face giving approval, Brown swallowed his bite.
“I get it,” he said. Finally. Maybe we’re not so crazy after all.
The complete Alton Brown Chili & Cinnamon Saga is available below.
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