Tommy Lee, the drummer of Motley Crue, spent some time in Nebraska in 2005, when he did a reality show called Tommy Lee Goes to College. (Just like you were making a Chinese dumpling or "crunchwrap".) With corn as the official state vegetable of Illinois, it makes sense that the official state snack is popcorn. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Differing from their neighbors to the north, South Carolinians use mustard in their barbecue sauce. The Runza menu has expanded over the years to include tasting things like chili, and cinnamon rolls, but at the restaurant's core remains the original, beef and cabbage numbera simple, yet . The name for these half-circles of pie crust filled with minced beef and root vegetables rhymes (ironically, we assure you) with nasty and not tasty. But pasties were always more about practicality than flavor. To keep it fresh, we choose not to go national. But due to the state of the grocery stores during COVID-19, I was unable to find the loaves. If you are just re-heating your Runza sandwich, it will only take about 10 minutes. We recommend our users to update the browser. The dish can be made into a sweet quick breakfast with butter, cinnamon, and brown sugar, or served as a side to a more savory breakfast with eggs, cheese, and bacon. We opened our first restaurant in Lincoln, Nebraska, in 1949, and we're still a family-owned business serving communities in Nebraska, Kansas, Colorado and Iowa. For the perfect Runza, you will need salt, pepper, ground beef, cabbage, butter, or olive oil (whichever you choose). I am a lover of gift-giving, traveling, spending time by the water, and entertaining. Virginia is known for their cured country ham. Once a Nebraskan, always a Nebraskan at heart! Then, peruse other Frequently Asked Questions and read some Franchisee success stories. The people of Montana love their steak. Owning a Runza Restaurant isn't just about serving sandwiches - it's about serving communities. Air fryers vary, so please watch it closely the first time you do it. The whole shebang then gets dunked in the beefs jus (French for gravy). When rolls have risen completely, lightly flour your surface. Residents of the state consume twice as much Jell-O as the rest of the nation and also have a statewide Jell-O Week. Runza is an iconic sandwich and burger franchise founded in 1949 in Lincon, Nebraska. As the name suggests, burnt ends get smoked to a crisp. This is our mascot, Runza Rex. Runza, the Nebraska-based chain that also sells bierocks, is the best place to get this wintertime special served September through April. And buttah makes everything bettah! Onions, pickles, and mustard are the traditional toppings, though some prefer cheese, bacon, or egg. [8] Stores did open in the Las Vegas Strip at the Fashion Show Mall's food court[10] and a mall food court in Moline, Illinois[11] but both failed to gain traction and closed within a few years. We make it in our restaurants each morning from scratch. But we have always just enjoyed them like this! Well, if you can imagine, this being one of the very first recipes that I posted here, the photos were God-awful. I am enjoying and living my life as the best person I can be! The Snowball is comprised of vodka, Fresca, and lime juice. Because what kind of a nice Nebraska Girl would I be if I didnt? Now, no Brewers tailgate party would be complete without them. When you are just re-heating your Runza sandwich, it will only take about 10 minutes. A sweet slice of peach pie with a dollop of whipped cream was declared the official state dessert of Delaware in 2009. Right? The largest edible fruit native to North America, pawpaws were declared the official state native fruit of Ohio in 2009. I am also wondering if anyone has ever tried to bake these in an air fryer, and what kind of luck theyve had. We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer) as we strive to provide site experiences for browsers that support new web standards and security practices. 1/4 cup chicken broth Tweet. Hi, Dorothy!! Add shredded cabbage. Easy State Fair Runzas / Bierocks If youve never heard of Lane cake, this delicious dessert is a bourbon layer cake with a unique filling that includes pecans, coconut, and raisins. Brown beef and cabbage in a large skillet, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Gumbo dates back to the 19th century and is rumored to have flavors stemming from Native American, African, Caribbean, Spanish, and French cuisines. The star of this breakfast sandwich, usually served with egg and American cheese, goes by Taylor Ham in the northern part of the state. She passed it down to her sons, and now its still in the family, run by her grandchildren. Creamy Deli-Style Macaroni Salad Place frozen dinner roll dough on a sheet pan and rise according to package instructions. ", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Runza&oldid=1106515159, German-Russian culture in the United States, Regional restaurant chains in the United States, Articles containing Low German-language text, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 25 August 2022, at 01:02. But it hurt so good that he decided to open up a sandwich shack and share the burn. Have you tried that? Their taste is similar to that of blueberriesbut more intenseand their jam is what Idahoans reach for when assembling the classic PB&J. Place 4 wrapped sandwiches inside a gallon ziplock bag and freeze for up to 3 months. As the leader of potato-producing states, Idaho grows about one third of all the potatoes in the United States. We dont fully know why. 1/8 tsp. Carolina Gold, as they call it, has a tangy, mildly sweet flavor that pairs well with pork. I cannot believe I actually stumbled across this recipe after not having eaten one since high school. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Can you freeze these? ), theyre economical, and taste every bit as good as the ones that you get at your own local fairs and remember enjoying in your Grandmas kitchen! In case it was not clear to everyone. each) loaves frozen bread dough, thawed overnight. Since Maryland adopted the cake as its official dessert in 2008, different flavor variations have become more popular. Wrap each sandwich in plastic wrap and then in foil. So, the recipe I use actually calls for frozen loaves of bread dough. When the meat is about halfway done, add in the shredded cabbage and cover with a lid. Frozen bread dough. Location & Hours 13236 Arbor St Omaha, NE 68144 West Omaha Get directions Edit business info You Might Also Consider Sponsored Hail Varsity Club 25 4.0 miles away from Runza Meghan T. said "Amazing burgers, pizza and craft cocktails! Your email address will not be published. Place one dough disk onto wooden cutting board, and press out, starting from the center and working your way to the edge (just like making a pizza), into a 4 1/2 - 5 inch round circle. Hopefully residents of the state celebrated the passing of this bill over a large pie (with extra cheese, of course). Wrap the sandwich in foil, place on a baking sheet, and bake at 400 degrees for 10 minutes. It currently calls for heavy cream, pecorino Romano cheese, parsley, paprika, and bacon, all on Texas toast. Chokecherries are relatively common across the state of North Dakota and are typically eaten by wild animals, but theyre also enjoyed by humans in preserves, juice, and jelly. A native fruit in most of Kansas, its made into jelly, wine, and pies. During the last 5 minutes, add dark brown sugar. Saimin is considered a national dish of Hawaii and one of the states most iconic comfort foods. The patties consist (partly or entirely) of extenders such as flour or beans, dating back to a Depression-era need to stretch limited supplies of ground beef. These sausageswhich boil in a bath of beer and onions before getting grilled, then piled with sauerkrautwere introduced at a Milwaukee Braves baseball game in 1954. I love runzas! Wild huckleberries are treated like jewels in the Gem State. Pinch it a bit to seal, then place it sealed side down onto a sprayed baking sheet. Like Alaska, Arizona is also known for a fish, specifically the Apache trout. In 1959, Phil Moe Pagano of Portsmouth decided to buy a sandwich shop and sell only one type of sub: salami and provolone with onions, peppers, pickles, and olives, a recipe he learned from his mother. State Senator Larry Walsh agreed to the bill in 2003 after a group of third-grade students petitioned for popcorn to be the official snack food of the Corn State. We opened our first restaurant in Lincoln, Nebraska, in 1949, and we're still a family-owned business serving communities in Nebraska, Kansas, Colorado and Iowa. A Nashville woman, looking to punish her philandering beau for stepping out on her, doused his fried chicken in cayenne pepper. Were up before sunrise preparing the dough, seasoning ground beef with our top-secret blend of spices, and forming it all in to the perfect sandwich you know and love. Not to be confused with New Mexicos chiles, chili became the official state dish of Texas when the state legislature signed off in 1977 with a resolution stating, in recognition of the fact that the only real bowl of red is that prepared by Texans. If youre looking to try some incredible chili, the International Chili Cookoff has been held in Texas since 1967 and is still going strong today. Youll find these yellow and pink trout swimming around the state rivers of Arizona. Place the baking sheet in the freezer for a little bit, to let them firm up a bit. (*You can make these the next day if you'd like.) 14 might be too young but it's always worth a shot. He is a dinosaur. It can be baked in many shapes such as squares, triangles, or half-moons, although the authentic Nebraskan version is almost always baked in a rectangular shape. Emma Taubenfeld is a former assistant editor for Readers Digest who writes about digital lifestyle topics such as memes, social media captions, pickup lines and cute pets. Some of these food choices may even come as a surprise. Drain off any excess grease or liquid. They worked great! Lets get to the 4 ingredient Runza recipe! Thats due to their low sulfur content, which also means these onions wont make you cry! I've had these once, and absolutely loved them. Thanks, Michaela! No cheese, but we use onions and garlic and a bay leaf (removed from filling before stuffing)! Though the first actual establishment to sell thesewas Runza in Lincoln, Nebraska, back in 1949; these simple, stuffed rolls called runzas, (also known as bierocks), were brought over by German immigrants who settled in Nebraska, Kansas, Missouri, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin and Michigan. No matter how you say it, tomatoes were designated the official state fruit of Tennessee back in 2003. Focusing on the pistachio in particular, California produces 98 percent of the countrys pistachio supply. You may even find some at the best buffets in Vegas. Bring up the sides, a bit at a time, pulling up and over the top, overlapping with each bit. Thank you so much for this recipe. Still wanna know more? Though poboys can come with any of a multitude of meats on fluffy French bread, fried catfish is fittingly the filling of choice in the birthplace of the commercial catfish industry. We could not use your location information to find stores. Owning aRunza Restaurant isn't just about serving sandwiches - it's about serving communities. The name of both the pocket sandwich and the Lincoln-based restaurant chain that made it famous, a Runza is a ground-beef-and-cabbage combination similar to Kansas's bierocks. Sweet potato pie, anyone? Roll out bread dough and cut into squares. Its the Fresca that makes the drink unique to Colorado. And because all great things on the internet are apparently presented in list form, well give that a go: Started by Sally Everett, expanded by her son, and still run by her grandchildren. Runza Restaurants' president, Donald Everett Jr., and executive chef, Chris Zeeb, will serve the beloved meat pocket at a St. Louis event aiming to showcase each state's most iconic food. 1/2 small head cabbage finely shredded and chopped Or youll be chasing those suckers all over the place and get nowhere. [12] The team's rebranded uniforms featured a cartoon runza sandwich and shared the green and yellow livery of the Runza restaurant chain. https://www.instagram.com/p/ByZRSq3HOe_/ Buns from a local bakery. Your email address will not be published. Place 4 wrapped sandwiches inside a gallon ziplock bag and freeze for up to 3 months. [3][4][5][6] Runzas can be baked into various shapes such as a half-moon, a rectangle, a round (bun), a square, or a triangle. The toppings are far less important than the shell of Navajo fry bread, a cornerstone of Native American cuisine and culture but also a painful reminder of persecution. Rest of Ingredients: My family (and my close circle of friends that feel like family) are the most important thing on earth! Rise dough according to package instructions. Humble, but OH so delicious! What do you say we whip up some of these Homemade Runzas right now? Remove from heat and set aside. But the Pats vs. Genos rivalry bifurcates the City of Brotherly Love, as do debates about provolone or Cheez Whiz, and wit or witout onions. We are avid Husker fans. Other places deep fry some pressed onion parts and call it onion rings. At Central Grocery & Deli in New Orleans (one of the sandwichs purported originators), it is made with a round, Sicilian-style sesame loaf piled with ham, salami, mortadella, Swiss cheese, provolone, and marinated olivesand is pronounced moofoo-LET-ah. Others in the Big Easy call it muff-uh-LOT-uh.. This is not true. Not to be confused with shish kebabwhich combines both meat and vegetableschislic is more straightforward, using just cubes of meat, stacked on skewers. Is your mouth watering yet? You can even buy this soup in packets in Hawaiian grocery stores, similar to ramen. I love that version too! This delicious sweet is made of two chocolate cake-like cookies sandwiched together with a white cream filling. Apples were declared the state fruit in 1976, and New York is the second largest U.S. producer of apples after Washington State. The first way is freezing them unbaked. I hope you make some for old times sake! Meat packers in 1930s Chicago found they could make tough beef palatable by slow-roasting it and then simmering thin slices in a spicy broth. Not to be confused with hot dogs, hot wieners are much less processed and the buns are slightly sweeter. To-may-to, to-mah-to. Over the years Runza added on a bunch of different flavors of their world-famous sandwich. *Drain any excess grease if necessary. While dough rises, begin browning your ground beef and onion in a large skillet. Place the baking sheet in the freezer for a little bit, to let them firm up a bit. *The night before, spray frozen bread dough loaves with butter-flavored cooking spray (I use Crisco's), and wrap each tightly with plastic wrap. Thanks for the message My twins both go to UNL so we are in Lincoln a lot! But this recipe of mine here uses frozen bread dough to make life a whole lot easier. Theyre EASY to make, (using a little bit of a cheater ingredient! Though this juicy concoction was created in California, restaurants at hotels and casinos along the Las Vegas Strip helped make it famous. Scoop approximately 1/3 cup of filling into the center, spread out. Whether you prefer this vegetable to be baked, fried, or in tater tot form, potatoes are the official state food of Idaho. It will use 2 rolls for each sandwich. Runza is famous for its Runzas, what else? We are German and from Michigan. Oops. Runzas and football just go hand in hand. Runza will be $0 again today with the order of fries and a drink. While Colorado doesnt have an official state food, they do have a signature drinkand its a crowd favorite for a reason. Pair this with one of the best craft beers for a delicious meal. But it was actually considered a luxury item pre-World War II. With a similar flavor and a slightly different texture than regular hamburgers, bison burgers are actually a healthier option if youre looking to reduce your calorie and fat intake. These immigrants, including the Brening family that settled near Sutton, Nebraska, brought their bierock recipes with them. Im Michaela, welcome to my kitchen! And these immigrants and their descendants have been making these for more than 150 years here! Something went wrong. "Runza has a long history of partnering with area colleges and universities for athletics sponsorships, and now, changes to the name, image and likeness policy allow our brand to directly . You may have already known that the peach blossom is the states official flower, so this yummy treat goes hand in hand. 1/2 tsp. So pick up the ingredients today and make a few batches this weekend! [12] Runza operated a 50s themed Rock n' Roll Runza featuring memorabilia, vintage automobiles and roller skating carhops out of downtown Lincoln from 1991 to 2004.[13]. To keep it fresh, we choose not to go national. worcestershire sauce each) loaves frozen bread dough, thawed overnight Theyre that kind of good. We dont know what prompted Decaturs Big Bob Gibson to make a barbecue sauce with mayonnaise and vinegar, but we do know its great on hickory-smoked chicken. Its a Midwest thing. Sally Everett opened the first restaurant in 1949 in Lincoln, NE. Go fish! Outswimming brown trout, rainbow trout, and lake trout, the brook trout became the selected state fish in 1988. Mint chocolate chip? While steak isnt the official food of Montana, it may as well be, and you can find steak on most menus throughout the state due to their large cattle industry. If you try it, I would love the feedback! Michigan lawmakers declared the trout the official fish of the state in 1965, but Michigan residents thought the declaration was too broad, as there are many types of trout. Theres nothing quite like fall in the Northeast. Peach farming has been an integral part of Delaware history since Colonial times. Named the state nut in 1989, they grow on single-trunked trees that stand up to 40 feet tall. We did", "Nebraskans Know There's No Substitute for Runza", "Sandwich That Stems from Eastern Europe Powers Great Plains Chain", "Where to get bierocks, the official food of Kansas in the fall", "The Runza will represent Nebraska at new national food event", "Runza: The story of one of Nebraska's most treasured foods", "The runza sandwich: Where else but Nebraska? Pinch closed. Then click the Tast-e-mail icon below to get email updates, and feel free to contact us any time. Our recipes and processes are decades old. Chislic was named the official nosh of South Dakota in 2018. Tuesdays in January and February are Temperature Tuesdays. A bread dough pocket, filled with cabbage, onion, and seasoned ground beef, baked until golden brown. Nebraska: Runza sandwich. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. This grape was named after the Scuppernong River in North Carolina, where it was first discovered. (Just like you were making a Chinese dumpling or "crunchwrap".) First, you need to get all the ingredients together so you can save on time when preparing. A whopping 99 percent of hazelnuts in the U.S. are grown in the Willamette Valley of Oregon. . He had the UNL Marching band open the show. Becoming a Franchisee. I use sauer kraut well drained and add cumin, tabasco, and accent to make them have a slight spicy taste. Place into fridge to thaw overnight.In large frying pan, saut ground beef and onion until done, breaking up into small pieces as you go. This recipe has been in our family for over a hundred years. List of regional dishes of the United States, "Have you tried the new veggie Runzas? And just look at that yummy cheese oozing out!!!! Runza, Runzatic, and Temperature Tuesdays areregistered trademarks of RunzaNational, Inc. 2015-2022 RunzaNational, Inc. Then Then We We Double Double Dip Dip Them Them, Our Fries Are Legendary: Crinkly, Crispy and Crazy Good. Click this collage to see: You can read some orsubmit your own and enter to win a Runza gift card! Used in all kinds of dishes including enchiladas, tamales, burritos, and huevos rancheros, chile is a signature flavor youll find throughout New Mexico. Average Runza National, Inc. Cashier hourly pay in the United States is approximately $10.66, which is 12% below the national average. Theyre easy and fun to make, and OH man!! A specialty of Nebraska, runza is a sandwich consisting of a yeast dough bread filled with beef, cabbage, onions, and various seasonings. A warm bowl of the restaurant's house chili comes . I watched a video of the current Runza president and he mentioned that spices were used in the meat mixture. (*I didn't need to drain because the grease was so minimal that it wasn't necessary. 2 (1 lb. Both German and Russian immigrants are credited with bringing chislic to South Dakota in the late 1800s. We have evaluated them all, from the best coffee shops and the best pizzerias to the most popular foods, and now were serving you the best sandwich in every state. Not to mention, the fruit is incredibly healthy due to its high amounts of fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants. I do!! George Washington and Thomas Jefferson both grew their own pawpaws, but the fruit also grows wild in 26 states. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. Instructions Cheese Runza Sandwich. She is one of the many friends and relatives, that have moved away, who make Runza their first stop when they visit. Volga Germans, ethnic Germans who settled in the Volga River valley in Russia at the invitation of Catherine the Great in the 18th century, adapted the pirog/pirozhok to create the bierock, a yeast pastry sandwich with similar savory ingredients. Fold the bottom up and the top of the dough down and press to seal. The chain attempted to expand outside of Nebraska in 1989. Of course only our generation uses frozen bread dough. "Runza" is a version of the low German word runsa, which translates into "bun shape" or . During the last 5 minutes, add dark brown sugar. The bread pocket has its roots in German-Russian cuisine, said to originate with the pierogi. Keep it all in the middle, and start pulling up the sides a bit at a time, pulling up and . So spray, wrap, and thaw the bread dough overnight in the fridge, and youre good to go the next day! [15] There was public outcry from the student body,[14][15] as the runza is strongly identified as a Nebraskan dish, and students felt that it should be sold at Nebraska's flagship university. Whatever your favorite flavor may be, ice cream is ice cream, and the state of Missouri recognized its superiority when they declared it their official state dessert in 2008. They make it easy, we have a Runza at our airport! Shrimp cocktail has become a staple on the Las Vegas Strip, with almost every restaurant having some variation of it on their menu. ), These days, you can even order a Southwest version, a BLT version, a bbq bacon and a spicy jack Runza Sandwich from, And for you out of towners, that cant just hop in your car and drive-thru for a piping hot Runza sandwich and the best crinkle-cut fries, or amazing onion rings, (or you can get both and order the frings! just dont forget to get a side of the best Ranch ever to dip them in!). While Mississippi doesnt have any official state foods, it would be remiss not to mention the classic Mississippi mud pie. The name of both the pocket sandwich and the Lincoln-based restaurant chain that made it famous, a Runza is a ground-beef-and-cabbage combination similar to Kansass bierocks. I hope you love them! If youve never heard of saimin, its a traditional noodle soup with thin noodles in a clear broth, and there are many variations that incorporate other ingredients such as scallions, fish cake, or pork. The treat came from Danish immigrants in the 1800s, and some Wisconsin bakeries are still using recipes from around that time. Prepare the sandwiches to the step where you place them seam side down on the baking sheet. As the leading rice-producing state, Arkansas produces more than nine billion pounds of rice per year. Salt and pepper to taste. Spicy Jack Runza Sandwich. In 2021, the Connecticut House of Representatives approved a bill that solidified pizza as the official state food of Connecticut. Add garlic, and saut 1 minute longer. These are fantastic just as is, though. Putting it in an air fryer (maybe his company would put one in the dining space) ought to cook it pretty fast. Im going to try your recipe, Im anxious to make them. During World War II, thousands of troopsincluding a general named Dwight D. Eisenhowercame through Aberdeen, where the Red Cross had set up a canteen serving chopped pheasant, hard-boiled egg, and veggies blended together with relish and mayonnaise. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. As a crowd favorite, this lunch staple has been perfected to an art form. Seventy-eight Nebraska locations, and also two each in Iowa and Kansas and one in Colorado. Youll find lobster shacks all up and down the Eastern Seaboard, but perhaps the most famous is Reds Eats in Wiscasset, Maine, where the buttered split-top buns barely contain all the prized pink meat packed into them. The giant king salmon, also known as Chinook salmon, has been the official state fish of Alaska since 1962. Follow Eater on YouTube to watch more videos | Like Eater on Facebook to never miss a video, The freshest news from the food world every day. Place them onto a platter or plate, cut sides up, and serve! Add marshmallow Fluff and have a fluffernutter.). You cant get more Maryland than soft-shell crab on white bread with mayo, lettuce, and local tomatoes, according to Taste of Home reader Dorothy McGinnity, describing her home states signature sandwich. If your Runza is not baked, you will need to thaw the frozen Runza and brush the tops with butter, before baking for about 30 minutes at 375 degrees. Blackberries were designated the official fruit of Kentucky in 2004. So good that I could still taste them, have never forgotten them, and decided to finally try my hand at making them myself! I always use Rhodes brand, and it works like a CHAMP. Notes If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. 1 stick butter, melted Wild blueberries are native to Minnesota, so its only natural that blueberry muffins would become the official state muffin in 1988. He piled the crumbly, seasoned pieces onto a bun and offered it to a deliveryman, who took a bite and proclaimed, This sandwich is made right!. Similar to other state foods on this list, the request was petitioned by a third-grade class in Carlton, Minnesota. Wrap the sandwich in foil, place on a baking sheet and bake at 400 degrees for 10 minutes. After Crown Burgers of Salt Lake City started using deli meat as a burger topping, the craze quickly caught on. He attended the University of Nebraska and even played in the drumline at the Husker games! (*I didn't need to drain because the grease was so minimal that it wasn't necessary. Rocky road? They became the official state fruit of North Dakota in 2007. If the runza sounds strangely old world for a fast food item to you, thats because it is. A Commonwealth staple since the Colonial era, Virginia ham pairs perfectly with buttermilk biscuitsand a smear of mustard, if youd like. But you may have heard it called by its Volga German name, the Bierock. Keep it all in the middle, and start pulling up the sides a bit at a time, pulling up and over the mound and overlapping with each bitof dough. The modern German ranzen, also meaning satchel, derives from runsa. Vanilla? Voila, a fresh Runza! For previously baked, place the frozen sandwich in the oven on a baking sheet and bake them at 350 degrees for about 20 minutes. 1 tsp. In large frying pan, saut ground beef and onion until done, breaking up into small pieces as you go. Place about 1 1/2 tablespoons of shredded cheese in the center, then top with a mound ( about a 1/3 cup) of the meat mixture. If you prefer hot dogs, theres a good place to snag those too. Brush with melted butter. As do fresh-sliced onions, which we have in our kitchen every morning. As I mentioned the traditional Runza is filled with cabbage, onion and seasoned ground beef. Place each sandwich on a greased cookie sheet, seam side down. document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hey! Toss well to mix. So I opted for the frozen dinner rolls. Or learn about the storied history of Runza. I am a born, raised and moved away from Nebraska gal. Click here to use the store locator to find a Runza near you! Nebraska doesn't have an official state food, but they are known for their Runza sandwich. That is my sisters birthday. Please be nice to your local runza employees. Its believed that Mississippi mud pie evolved from Mississippi mud cake, which became popular during World War II.