In the heart of West Virginia, a unique tradition is being revived through the delightful creations of Kim Kerr. Her small business, Whimsy and Willows, has become a local favorite at farmers markets around Charleston. What started as an attempt to recreate her great-aunt Sylvia’s legendary nisu, a Finnish sweet bread, has evolved into a thriving venture that brings joy and nostalgia to many. Kerr’s cinnamon rolls, affectionately dubbed “Finn-amon” rolls, have quickly become her most sought-after product. This story delves into the journey of how Kerr brought this family recipe back to life and turned it into a beloved treat.

Kim Kerr’s culinary adventure began when she and her husband Patrick launched their business. Initially, they struggled to find a niche, but Kerr’s passion for baking led her to explore her family’s rich Finnish heritage. Her great-aunt Sylvia, known for her exceptional baking skills, had mastered the art of nisu, a traditional Finnish yeast bread. However, Sylvia was no longer around to teach Kerr the secrets behind her signature dish. Determined to preserve this family treasure, Kerr embarked on a quest to decode Sylvia’s recipe.

Kerr reached out to relatives and uncovered fragments of Sylvia’s original recipe. Through persistence and creativity, she pieced together the missing elements. One crucial discovery was that the milk needed to be almost boiling with melted butter, and ingredients couldn’t be added all at once. After several trials, Kerr finally perfected the ooey-gooey texture she remembered from childhood. The moment her great-uncle Larry tasted the bread, he confirmed it was just like his mother’s, validating Kerr’s efforts.

Inspiration struck again during the 2020 lockdowns when Kerr decided to experiment with cinnamon rolls. Realizing that nisu dough could be transformed into cinnamon rolls, she adjusted the method. Instead of braiding the dough, she rolled it flat, layered it with butter and cinnamon sugar, and cut it into medallions. The result was nothing short of perfection. To complete the treat, she devised a shelf-stable icing recipe using copious amounts of sugar, butter, and vanilla. The combination proved irresistible, even eliciting enthusiastic reactions from typically reserved customers.

Kerr’s “Finn-amon” rolls soon became the star attraction at her market stall. A teenage farm boy’s declaration that these were the best cinnamon rolls he’d ever tasted underscored their popularity. Recognizing the importance of preserving this new family tradition, Kerr plans to involve her son Jackson in the baking process. Although she doesn’t follow a written recipe yet, she acknowledges the need to document it for future generations.

Beyond the delicious treats, Kerr’s endeavor has rekindled a piece of Finnish culture that once thrived in parts of Appalachia. By blending her family’s heritage with innovative twists, she has created something truly special that resonates with both locals and visitors alike. The legacy of Sylvia’s baking lives on through each batch of “Finn-amon” rolls, reminding everyone of the power of tradition and innovation.