The owner of a historic inn enters a cooking contest to win funds for renovations and get free publicity. But shes a horrible cook! Luckily, a renowned chef is a guest…
(bright holiday music)
♪ I still remember ♪
♪ Like it was yesterday ♪
♪ The smell of Mama’s Christmas cookies ♪
♪ And the bells on an open sleigh ♪
♪ All I gotta do is shut my eyes ♪
♪ And I can see those twinkling lights ♪
♪ And every street lined with decorations ♪
♪ In my hometown tonight ♪
♪ Mass of strangers stop to share a smile ♪
♪ Bright houses filled with joy and laughter ♪
♪ As they bless the Child ♪
♪ Christmas is my favorite time ♪
♪ Christmas ♪
♪ Makes my heart shine ♪
♪ Christmas ♪
♪ And I can’t deny ♪
♪ That Christmas is my favorite time of year ♪
♪ It’s my favorite time ♪
– Abby, I see you’re in your happy place.
– I hope you don’t mind I let myself in again.
– You know you’re welcome anytime.
You always work
so hard, especially around the holidays.
– Half the time, I don’t know if I’m coming or going,
but this place, it makes me so relaxed,
even if it is just for a few minutes.
– That’s how I feel about the greenhouse.
I just shut out the world.
Speaking of which,
raspberries.
I picked them from the greenhouse this morning.
– Thank you.
– Are you sure there’s nothing else I can help you with?
– Hey, do you wanna cook?
The inn is without a chef for the next few days.
– Oh, I thought you got somebody
to replace Matilda while she’s away.
– So I did, but he just canceled on me last minute.
– I wish I could help, but I’m prepping
for the festival
next week and my sisters are coming over.
We’re making Christmas chocolates.
– You better get me the mint ones again this year.
No, I think I’ll be able to manage the guests
without Matilda, but maybe I’ll start
by serving some fresh raspberry scones.
– You’re not baking the scones, are you?
– Yes, how hard can it be?
I’ll add a little extra sugar
for some extra Christmas sparkle.
These are so good.
– We look forward to hosting you.
Thank you.
We’ll see you Friday.
Word just in.
The National
Cooking Network crew is staying with us
for the Buy the Bay Christmas Food Festival.
The Brook’s Point Inn is gonna be fully booked.
– Merry Christmas to us.
Fully booked, I haven’t said those words in years.
– What? You have a date.
– Very funny, Brad.
– Aren’t you supposed to be fixing a toilet somewhere?
– Happy to report that the toilet in room seven
is no longer running, however,
we do need to replace the ceiling fan.
– Okay, let’s go room to room and make a list of repairs.
I want everything
in full working order for the festival.
– Way ahead of you.
It’s been a repair list for a while.
– Oh, look at you.
Okay, why is this so long?
Chipped paint in the stairwell.
That’s charming, that’s fine.
– There’s a fine line between charming and run down.
– Well, the building’s 100 years old.
It’s allowed to show its age a little bit.
Well, the Brook’s Point Inn is not about swank.
We are about history, community,
and that little personal touch.
The NCN crew will love their stay here.
Everybody always does.
But that, however, needs fixing.
– I’m on it. I’m on it.
– Thank you.
I’ll talk to Grant about hiring some extra hands,
but in the meantime,
I think we’re all gonna need to step up
and do a few extra chores, okay?
– For sure. – Thanks, guys.
– Abby, wait, where are you going?
– I’m gonna make
some scones for our continental breakfast.
I got these fresh raspberries from Cheryl’s.
I’m gonna put
some white chocolate on top, little sugar.
They’re gonna be so yummy and Christmassy.
– Why don’t I call the diner?
I can get some vouchers for the guests.
– No, that’s not necessary.
Plus, it’s not in the budget.
It’s my job to
make sure everything runs smoothly here,
so we don’t have a chef, our guests are hungry,
I’m gonna fix it.
– I’ll call the fire
department, give them a fair warning.
– Thanks, Brad.
(gentle music)
– There’s no one here.
The streets are empty.
– Yeah, that’s exactly why you’re there.
It’s not New York.
Brook’s Point Harbor is the perfect place to lay low.
Your reservation’s under Gosling.
Jason, just relax, get some sleep.
Try to enjoy it while you can.
We’re gonna have you back at Corwin Brothers
before you know it.
– How many times have I gotta say it?
I’m done with it.
Or, it’s done with me.
Either way, my career is over.
– This is all gonna blow over.
People are gonna forget about some stupid mistake
the minute the next celebrity scandal breaks.
– The mistake was on national TV, live in prime time.
They’re not just gonna forget.
– Yeah, and you shouldn’t have been in that competition
in the first place,
especially after what happened to your brother.
I’m gonna smooth things over with the board
at Corwin Brothers.
We’re gonna salvage the book deal
and it’s not like they canceled your contract at TNCN.
Suspended it, sure, but there’s always hope.
– Don’t waste your time.
I don’t wanna go anywhere near a kitchen.
(phone beeps)
(instrumental Christmas carol music)
("We Three Kings of Orient Are")
– Hi, I’m Laura.
Welcome to Brook’s Point Inn.
How can I help you?
– I don’t want an elevator.
– All right, then, Mr. Gosling.
– I’m no relation.
– Let’s get you checked in.
So are you in town for the festival?
(fire alarm ringing) – What festival?
Is there always smoke billowing out of your kitchen?
– That’s just Five
Alarm Dennings doing what she does best.
– Okay, well, what she does best
is gonna set us all up in flames.
– Mister.
(phone ringing)
Thank you for calling Brook’s Point Inn.
This is Laura speaking.
(broom banging)
– Stupid hunk of junk.
– Okay, that hunk of junk is actually doing its job.
(fire alarm clunking)
(fire alarm beeping)
Are you trying to burn the place down?
– No, actually, I’m not.
Everything’s under control.
I’m just doing a little bit of baking here.
Whoops, there we go.
And (coughing) some scones, all under control.
– I see why they call you Five Alarm Dennings.
– Hi, I’m so sorry.
I don’t normally greet guests this way.
I’m Abby.
I run Brook’s Point Inn.
– I didn’t realize smoke inhalation
was part of the complimentary service.
– Next show starts at five.
And you are?
– Jay.
(Alice coughing)
– I knew if I followed
the smoke, I’d find my granddaughter.
– Gran, are you all right?
Is everything okay?
– I was gonna ask you the same thing.
– Oh.
– Oh, hello dear.
I’m Alice.
I see you’ve already met my granddaughter.
– Yeah.
– I’m hoping that our home will suffice
for your temporary home away from home.
– Well, I won’t be staying long.
– Oh, I hope you reconsider.
The smoke will clear, dear, it always does.
– If you’d like to follow me, I can get you settled in,
into one of our non-smoking rooms.
– How are ya? – Okay.
– Come on.
You good? – Yeah.
– So, what’s up?
Weren’t you supposed to be out
with the Cocoon Club this morning?
– I didn’t feel up to it.
– [Abby] No, is everything okay?
– I’m fine.
– Eloise’s sister had Parkinson’s.
I’m sure she’d be a wonderful support if you let her.
– I’m not ready to tell her yet.
I don’t want her treating me any differently.
You have to stop worrying about me.
Now, I’ve got presents to wrap,
and you’ve got a very handsome gentleman
paying attention to you.
– Gentleman?
He barged in here and barked orders at me.
– Well, it was evident that you needed a little help.
And he above
all should know his way around the kitchen.
– And why on Earth is that?
– That was Jason Corwin of the Corwin Brothers.
A handsome pair they were.
You know, they have that fancy restaurant in New York.
– Well, that explains the bloated ego.
– More like a broken heart.
It was a tragedy about his brother.
– Oh, was he the chef whose brother died
in that plane crash? Right.
– Hmm.
– Well, Gran, I don’t know if it’s such a good idea
that I take over for Matilda as chef.
– I think that you can do anything you set your mind to,
but, perhaps this is not your battle.
Your mother was a terrible cook. (laughing)
I mean, really awful.
And don’t even get me started about your dad.
I know they would be so proud of you.
You work so hard to make everyone around you happy,
but you deserve to be happy too.
– What? I am happy, Gran.
I’ve got everything
I need right in front of me right here.
– Right back at ya.
– What are your
thoughts on hiring an extra set of hands,
just one person to help Brad out
because I know he’s run off his feet.
He’s so busy, he doesn’t have time to fix everything.
Gran, is everything okay?
– Oh, yes.
– Well.
– Gran, what is it?
Do you need an ambulance?
– No, it’s not that.
The Inn’s out of money.
I’ve used my personal savings to balance the books
for over a year,
and I’ve neglected paying the property taxes
for a few years.
I wanted to tell you,
but I really thought I had everything under control.
– It’s okay.
It’s okay, I am sure it’s not that bad.
– Oh, it’s worse.
But this is my home
and I can’t even imagine living anywhere else.
Oh, Abby, I’m so sorry.
I’ve let us all down.
– Gran, it’s okay, I know.
I know this is your home.
Let me take a look at the books.
I’m sure I can shuffle some numbers around.
– $43,000 is an awful lot of shuffling.
– Leave it with me.
I’ll think of something, I promise, okay?
It’s okay.
(somber music)
(car horn honking)
– [Voicemail Speaker] You have one saved voice message.
– [David] Hey, just about to board.
Want you to know the meeting went great.
They loved our ideas.
Man, there’s the craziest sunset at the airport.
Makes me excited for tomorrow.
I’ll call you when we land.
– Oh, great.
– Nice to see you too.
– Sorry, I was just hoping to do some thinking
on my love seat for a bit.
– Your love seat, didn’t see your name on it.
– No, not my name, but my parents’.
They used to hang out here quite a bit.
This was kind of their spot.
Anyway, I don’t
wanna interrupt your cell phone time, so.
– Plenty of room for two.
I’m sorry about your parents’.
– Oh, it happened a long time ago.
I wear their wedding rings so I feel closer to them.
It’s funny the things you hold on to.
I always feel so calm here.
– I bet your lungs do, Five Alarm.
– I guess I’ll never live that one down.
Listen, about earlier,
I’m sorry for the way things were handled.
I know you’re just trying to help.
– I shouldn’t have been so rude.
I’m just on edge.
It was a long trip.
– Thanks.
So where did you travel from?
– New York.
– Okay, and what brings you here?
– Free will, just somebody else’s.
– Well, lucky you, you’re about to fall in love.
You don’t even know it.
Brook’s Point Harbor’s a really special place.
We’re a really tight-knit community
and everybody looks out for everyone here.
– I don’t really get the appeal of small towns.
I love big cities.
They’re alive and busy.
– Noisy.
– Well, silence can be just as loud.
– I suppose.
Oh, by the way, I actually wanted to mention to you,
next week, there is a-
– I’m really not interested in tourist attractions.
– Okay, before you leave though,
you have to do yourself a favor.
Try our diner’s BLT.
It’s so, so good.
It’s to die for.
– Diner and dying, okay.
See how they go together?
– Oh, come on, you live in New York.
You’re telling me you don’t like diners?
– New York has some
of the finest restaurants in the world.
Why would I eat a diner?
– Well, because they’re not just a fad.
Diners have withstood the test of time for a reason.
They’re steadfast and sturdy.
– Predictable, uninventive.
– Oh, wow.
Does it make you feel good being such a snob?
– Snob?
I just have a difference of opinion.
I’ve never eaten at a diner, never will.
– You have never.
Okay, you have to go to a diner.
You have to go to ours and try the BLT, it’s the best.
– No, I don’t, and how do you know it’s the best BLT?
I mean, how many diner BLTs have you tried?
– Okay, easy, Mr. Corwin.
– Corwin.
Gosling didn’t last long.
I guess my days of being undercover are over.
– You should tilt your nose down once in a while.
Otherwise, you’ll miss what’s going on around you,
or where you’re at.
– Okay, that’s not fair.
Whatever you’ve read about me, you have no clue.
– I’m not assuming anything.
You’ve made quite
an impression here on your own already.
– I’m sorry, I really didn’t mean to offend you.
– Well, you did.
Brook’s Point Harbor
means a lot to the people at this town.
You don’t get to come here and hide out
from whatever terrible things you’ve done
and then you judge anything you’re not willing
to experience yourself.
Anyway, I have somewhere I have to be.
(bells jingling)
(bright Christmas music)
("Good King Wenceslas")
– Takeaway will be ready in about five. Coffee?
– No, thanks.
I’m running on natural jitters today.
♪ Christmas Eve is coming soon ♪
– The camera adds 10 pounds, even to a mayor,
but they didn’t come off after the picture.
I heard you run into a bit of trouble at the Inn.
Matilda’s replaced on bailing on you?
That can’t be good for business.
– It’s all under control, Mayor Joan, thanks.
– This town’s lucky I was able to snag
such a prestigious national festival.
– It’s wonderful that all of the proceeds
are gonna fund the local after-school programs
and the library.
– A portion of the proceeds, yes.
This festival’s really going to put
Brook’s Point Harbor on the map.
Tourism is gonna skyrocket.
– Mm, you’re telling me.
We’re hosting the entire TNCN crew at the inn.
– Well, you be sure and tell ’em if they want an interview
with the mayor, they can have one, anytime.
– Order’s up, Abby.
– Hey Joan, have you seen this?
Christmas chef showdown.
Grand Prize of $50,000?
– Nothing to sniff at, huh?
They want a mystery competitor, a local amateur cook
to compete against their big name chefs.
– Amateur, as in no talent required?
– It is a televised event.
– Earth to Abby.
– I could do this.
(Mayor Joan laughing)
– Five Alarm Dennings in a cooking contest.
What, scorched sardines again?
– That fish was flambéed.
– I don’t think so.
But if you did participate,
having one of our oldest businesses
would be great in my advertising.
– Yes, it would be amazing advertising
for the inn, plus $50,000.
– You have to win to get that.
– Thank you.
You know what?
I’ll take two strawberry milkshakes to go, please.
Thanks.
(bright Christmas music) ("Jingle Bells")
Do you have to keep playing with that thing?
– I don’t have to, but if I don’t fix it,
this whole place will burn down.
I’ll try to be faster.
– [Laura] Thank you.
Strawberry milkshakes.
– Uh-Oh, what’s going on?
– Oh, you know, it’s Christmas.
You two have been doing amazing work lately.
– And?
– And I’m hoping you’re willing
to do a little extra hard work this coming week.
– So we’re not hiring more help?
– And what does extra mean?
– Just a couple of hours a day.
I’m planning on entering the cooking competition
in the festival.
– (laughing) What, more charred cheesecake?
– Not more burnt scones.
– Very funny.
So take a look at this.
They’re looking for a local contestant.
If I’m selected, there will be two other competitors,
which means I have actually really good odds
at winning this thing.
– You know the other two competitors
are actual chefs, right?
Professionals.
– I know that, but
they specify that they want local talent,
which means
they probably just want some charm and fun,
which I will bring.
– How exactly are you gonna learn to cook in a week?
– Online tutorials, Matilda’s cookbooks.
I have a kitchen at my disposal.
Okay, I know I’m not the best chef in the world.
I get a little distracted,
but if I have something to focus on,
I’ll be able to move mountains.
– Okay, you know I’m all about self-improvement
and you becoming less of a fire hazard,
but why on earth do you wanna do this?
– We need this $50,000.
The inn’s in a little bit of trouble.
I was speaking with my grandma
who’s been trying to balance the books, but it’s bad.
It’s really bad, but if I win this prize money,
this will at least bring us out of the red.
– The inn actually close?
– Not if I win this competition.
– I guess I could
help Laura out with the guest services.
Seems easy enough.
– I can help Brad with repairs.
– [Brad] Have you ever held a hammer in your life?
– A hammer?
What’s a hammer?
What’s a girl to do?
– I know, I know this is a really big ask,
but I can’t do this without you.
– Okay, first step, name, Abby Dennings.
Easy.
– That’s a lot of fine print.
– Are you a professional chef?
I’m gonna go ahead and click the no box on that one.
Are any of your employees
or family members
employed by the National Cooking Network?
– Nope, no, none of this applies to me.
I’m as amateur as they get.
What’s next?
– Application not processed until full payment
of entrance fee received.
– $500?
What? Who has $500 lying around?
– You could have a bake sale, sell 500 burned scones.
– No, no, the application
deadline is tonight at midnight.
I don’t have time to burn that many scones.
– Abby, no.
– You better get to cooking.
(gentle music)
(Abby knocking)
– I need you to teach me how to cook.
– I’m not a chef anymore.
– Are, were, whatever, you still know how to cook.
– And apparently I’m also a snob.
– I know I’m being a little pushy right now
and I’m sorry for the way I spoke to you earlier.
– You actually?
– Little bit.
Look, I’m not asking you to be my friend.
I know I really irritate you,
but what I am asking for is a teacher.
I’m really hoping to enter a cooking competition
in the By the Bay Christmas Food Festival next week.
– Food Festival?
Gary.
– Oh, come on, you’re already bored outta your mind.
You’ve been here for less than a day.
You gotta find something to do.
It’s not gonna be you cooking, it’s going to be me
and it’s not like I need to cook for the president.
I just need to learn how to not set things on fire
and not poison anybody.
– Yeah, sorry, it’s a steep learning curve.
Gary.
Yeah, it’s your favorite client here.
Just wondering
why his overpaid lawyer dropped him off
in the one place
that’s hosting a Christmas food festival.
Call me back.
– So, that’s it?
– Look, it’s within your best interest
not to be associated with me right now.
– Is it true?
Did you cheat on that cooking competition?
It’s not a tough question.
– No one’s actually ever asked me that before.
My brother’s memory was on the line
and I barely even remember making the decision.
– Do you regret it?
– Every day?
– So you made a mistake.
People make mistakes all the time.
– People are allowed to make mistakes.
Celebrities are not.
Scandals like mine kill careers.
I’ve completely undone everything
that David worked so hard for.
– Wasn’t it the Corwin Brothers?
– David was the charismatic one.
I mean, he was the peacemaker.
Everybody loved him.
He was the teacher, not me.
– I’m so sorry you lost him.
And I know me
saying that doesn’t make things any easier.
– Thank you.
– You know, I’ve never watched you on TV
or been to your restaurant, but I’ve lost loved ones.
You just wanna shut down and hide,
but that doesn’t make things any easier.
You can’t bring your brother back,
but you can do everything in your power
to continue his legacy.
– I’ve been ousted by my own company.
I’m completely toxic within the industry.
Nobody wants me.
– I want you,
and I’m sure you
want another chance to redeem yourself.
– So you wanna hire me?
– Not exactly higher.
I’m not totally flush for cash at the moment,
but what I can offer you is undying gratitude
and a little chance at some redemption.
– If I agree to this,
you gotta know it’s gonna be long hours.
– Yes, yes, I’ll do anything.
– It’ll be demanding and stressful
and you’re probably gonna hate me
even more by the end of this.
– You mean I’ll get an even closer look at the arrogant,
egotistical Jason Corwin?
– He’s also a class-A jerk with antisocial tendencies.
But as you already know this going in.
– Yes, yes.
Thank you.
– This is gonna be a lot of hard work, okay?
No cutting corners.
We need to follow
the rules absolutely, is that understood?
– Yes, chef.
– And we also need to find another kitchen
away from the inn.
You are far too distracted.
If I’m gonna teach
you, I need your undivided attention.
– I know just the place,
Cheryl’s behind the cafe, across the street.
– Okay, we start first thing in the morning, 7:00 AM sharp.
Do not be late.
– I will not be late.
(bright holiday music)
– You’re late.
– Nope, I’m two minutes early.
– You’re not even dressed for work.
Go and change into something less flirty.
– I’m wearing a blouse.
I have to look half-decent to run the inn.
– It’s not suitable for a kitchen.
Go and change
into something else and tie your hair up.
Hurry.
You’re really gonna be late by the time you get back.
– Really egotistical.
(reflective music)
– Hey, chef.
So do I pass the inspection now?
– Excellent.
Okay, first thing’s first,
what have you gotta prep for the competition?
– There are three different challenges.
The appetizer, the main course with a side dish,
and a dessert.
– Okay, are they
surprising you with any secret ingredients?
– No, but the food will revolve around a central theme,
but they’re not telling us that until we’re on stage.
– Got it, okay, well, let’s start with how to prep a plate,
mixing different ingredients, flavors, colors, yeah?
– Yep.
– Number one is gonna be knife skills.
This is a chef’s knife.
– Ooh, I like this one.
– Put that down.
Safety.
Always safety.
– Got it.
– Hold the knife handle in the palm of your hands.
Ease up a little bit.
You wanna keep your thumb pressed against the blade.
You wanna try
and keep the knife on the chopping board.
Smooth motions, okay?
– Okay.
Chef, do you ever think I’ll be able to chop air
like you do?
– No.
Slow and easy, no rushing.
On the curved side down,
this hand, you’re gonna want back here in the celery,
away from the blade.
And then just slow, easy movements.
Smaller, more uniform pieces.
– Right, right, so it looks nice.
– No, so it cooks evenly.
– Chef, does celery bleed?
– No, celery does not bleed.
Number two, no shortcuts.
These distractions, they can get you really hurt,
but cuts do happen, so number three, get used to blood.
I’m gonna get the first aid kit.
– Hey chef, I think we might have another problem.
– What now?
(dramatic music)
(bright holiday music)
– Doesn’t look deep.
– No, it’s not that deep, you don’t need stitches.
– The antibiotic ointment
should help it heal pretty quickly.
Just keep it clean and dry.
Take care of that finger,
gonna need it in the future.
– You’re the best.
Thank you, Cheryl.
– If you’re not gonna listen to me,
there is no point in me teaching you.
– I’m going to listen, I promise.
– Whoa, whoa, whoa, no, lesson is done for today.
– What? We were just getting started.
– Your head is not in the game
and I need to reevaluate my plan.
Study this tonight.
The pictures will help you with your technique.
– Do you have one with dummies in the title?
– Dummies, really?
I wouldn’t have agreed to help you if I thought that.
– Oh, now you got me feeling all warm and fuzzy inside.
Or maybe I’m still feeling light-headed.
– There is a test in the morning.
– Okay, well, fingers crossed.
Finger crossed
that I don’t amputate something tomorrow.
– That’s not funny.
– Rule number four, no laughing in the kitchen.
– Preparing food for people is not a joke, it’s an honor.
– Okay, why did you become a chef anyway?
– Be more occupied with yourself, Abby.
It takes years of work to be any good
under the best of circumstances.
If you want a chance at winning this competition,
you need to find your purpose.
Where’s your focus at?
Why do you need to win?
(dramatic music)
– [TV Announcer] Frigid One forecast.
– [TV Narrator] How the majestic lion roams.
– [TV Announcer] You need to take that time to come on…
(TV clicking)
(door clicking)
(upbeat jazzy music)
– Not my friends’ Euchre.
– That wind needs an asterisk.
Ladies, enough for the table talk, please.
– Alice is my oldest friend.
We don’t table talk, we read each other’s minds.
– That’s still cheating.
– Jason.
♪ Let every heart ♪
– I was just gonna get some fresh air
when I heard the snap of cards at the table.
– [Abby] You have good hearing.
– Well, I hear professionals,
people who do anything to win.
– Yes, fueled by tea and cookies.
– [Jason] You have me at tea.
– Really?
You’re a tea connoisseur like the rest of us?
I peg you as an Earl Grey kind of guy.
– Caffeine, anything.
– I respect that.
You were right.
I need to focus on what’s important.
This,
this right here is why I need to win this competition.
The inn isn’t just my home,
it’s a cornerstone in our community
and winning that
prize money is gonna keep it that way.
– Remember that for tomorrow’s lesson.
– Jason, join us for a round.
– You should take my place, I have to make more tea.
– Can she make tea, Alice? Is that safe?
(Abby laughing)
– [Abby] Jason would wove to play.
– Have you played much Euchre?
– [Jason] Not much.
(gentle music)
(hammer banging)
– That’s not straight.
– Sure, it is.
– Hey, you two are still here?
– I figured I’d help Brad with a few projects
before heading home.
– She’s actually pretty decent with a hammer.
– How is card night?
– It was really fun.
Oscar lost, as per usual,
and Jason Corwin graced us with his presence.
– That actually doesn’t surprise me.
I was watching a video.
He wasn’t always a curmudgeon.
– [David] There you go. What you got?
– I feel weird watching this.
– It doesn’t even seem like the same guy.
It’s so sad.
– Wow, okay, well, you guys can head home.
We’ve done more than enough work today, thank you.
– You got it, boss.
You wanna lift?
– Yeah, beats the bus.
(reflective music)
(tea kettle whistling)
(water sloshing)
– Okay.
Knuckles tucked, front end.
(knife chopping)
– My grandkids are not going to believe
I played cards with Jason Corwin.
– You lost at cards to Jason Corwin.
– Would you be a dear
and sign your cookbook for my granddaughter?
Alice mentioned you were staying here.
– Perhaps now is not the best time.
– Thank you, dear.
– Well, it’s been an absolute pleasure to meet you all.
Thank you very much for the game.
– It’s okay to let yourself grieve.
It’s better to feel the emotion
than to try to sweep it away.
Once you felt the loss, you can begin to heal.
– Thank you, Alice.
I just wish I knew how.
– Lean on your friends.
You have more support than you know.
(gentle music)
– So, is he better than me?
(jolly holiday music)
– Good, very good.
– Hey, it was really nice that you played cards
with the Cocoon Club last night.
– Ssh, I don’t want people knowing I might be a nice guy.
Let’s just say I
am a card shark who was looking for a win.
– Sure thing, Mr. Card Shark.
– Smaller sizes, remember uniform slices.
– Right, right.
So why did you sneak away so early last night?
– Okay, the kitchen needs discipline
and restraint, not gossip.
– It’s not gossip, I just, I saw you having fun last night.
It was nice to see you let your hair down a little bit.
– Just focus on the work.
– I’m trying to focus, would you lighten up?
I feel like I’m walking on eggshells here.
– Sorry, but this isn’t the place to get personal.
– I’m just saying we don’t have to spend the day chopping
in brooding silence.
You know, you can have some conversation
with somebody who’s trying to be your friend.
– You said you wanted a teacher, not a friend.
– Whoa, you played cards with my grandma last night.
I’m sorry, we’re friends now.
Jason, you’re helping me.
Maybe I can help you a little bit.
Abby, enough! (eggs thudding)
– (chuckling) Okay, now we are literally both
walking on eggshells.
Okay, come on, that’s so funny.
You’re being all serious when you drop a carton.
Jason, why are you so hard on yourself?
– Let’s just clean up and move on.
(egg shell cracking)
– What are you doing?
– You are wound way too tight.
You need to let loose a little bit.
– Stop it.
– Not until you drop one on purpose.
– Abby, that is not gonna happen.
– You can’t just shut down all the time.
It’s okay to laugh a little bit when life gets messy.
– I’m not gonna laugh, I’m ticked off.
– Well, that’s a lot of anger over some broken eggs.
– You are the most-
– It’s okay to be angry for a while.
Grief is a process, but you can’t just-
– Save it, all right, I know all about grief.
Why do you think I’m here when everything
that ever meant anything to me is in New York?
– Because you haven’t decided to fight
for what you have left.
– How can I fight for it when signing a cookbook,
just seeing a photo of my brother
sends me into a tailspin.
– That makes sense.
It brings back memories for you, Jason.
– Yesterday you asked me why I became a chef.
It was David’s dream.
We did everything together.
Same school, same job.
I didn’t wanna do anything else
because I knew
whatever we did together we’d be great at.
I didn’t just lose David, I lost half of myself.
– Well, if that’s true,
then you still have half of yourself left.
We can’t choose what happens in our lives,
but we can choose what happens moving forward.
Maybe it’s time that you find a new path.
– I don’t know who I am without him.
– You’re Jason Corwin, and that’s enough.
You don’t need to figure out everything today,
but you can start by being yourself,
an imperfect human being, like the rest of us.
So stew on that.
(egg shell cracking)
Okay, how did that feel?
– Better than anger.
– Yes.
– Does anyone ever say no to you?
– A few people have tried, they don’t really get too far.
All right, what’s next?
– I suppose scrambled eggs?
– Oh, sounds eggscellent.
– That’s a terrible pun, but I appreciate the eggffort.
(Abby chuckling)
(upbeat holiday music)
Jenna, what are you doing at Brook’s Point Harbor?
– Jason, hey, you are the last person
I thought I’d see here.
Oh, a little higher on the left.
– Okay.
– [Jason] What?
– I work for TNCN now.
They’re the festival sponsor.
Roger sent me down to do setup
and to ensure the town was acceptable first day.
You know how demanding he is.
– Well, that’s generous.
I call it difficult or belligerent,
or ego without the talent to back it up.
– Well, off the record,
he’s even worse after his promotion.
– He got another promotion?
– Well, after the
competition ratings went through the roof,
TNCN hired him as their full-time
in-house executive producer.
Ego or not, I don’t know how he does it.
He’s so busy with the Corwin brothers, too.
– Yeah, poor Roger.
– Right, well, I got a lot of Roger’s details
to take care of.
It was nice seeing you.
(gentle music)
(phone buzzing)
– How’s my favorite client?
– Did you set me up,
putting me in the same town as Roger?
– Jason, look, I knew about the festival,
but I didn’t know that he was running it.
Although, this could be a good opportunity for you.
– Do you hear what you just said?
He’s no longer my rival,
he’s just moved straight on into enemy.
I’m getting the first flight out of here.
I’m not even sure what I would do if I bumped into him.
– Jason, you’re going to run into him
at some point in your career,
you might as well deal with it now.
Listen, the board of directors called
They are warming to the idea
of you returning to the company.
They’re not happy with Roger’s decision
to move into frozen products.
– Of course they’re not.
He doesn’t know the first thing
about how to run a culinary company.
All he cares about is the bottom line.
(phone beeping)
– I’m not gonna sell to some big chain
that has no understanding of the concept
of personal service.
Besides, I’m not gonna have to sell at all.
Abby’s gonna win the money and pay off our debts.
– Abby can barely boil water.
She only has a chance of getting chosen
because she’s a pretty local with a historical cause,
plus she’ll be against top chefs.
– I believe in her.
– You need to think about what’s best for the future.
We’ll get you a substantial offer.
You could live comfortably the rest of your life.
– You’re on the wall. – So are you. (laughing)
– Abby.
– Mayor Joan.
I hope to get
that water boiling technique on lockdown.
– I’m sure you will.
– Gran, I am sorry you had to listen to that nonsense.
– I’m afraid she has a point.
The bank is not
gonna wait forever before they foreclose.
– No, no, no, Gran, Gran, please don’t sell just yet.
The ads at the
festival are gonna bring in more guests.
Plus my practicing has been going really well.
Look at these cookies.
They’re not burnt, not even one of them.
– I believe you can win, but the fact is, if you don’t,
I’ll have no other choice but to sell.
(somber music)
(phone beeping)
(knife chopping)
(Jason knocking)
– Come in.
– Abby, I am…
Is everything okay?
– Oh yeah, yeah.
No, I’m just practicing outside of school hours, chef.
Cutting onions.
– Burning onions, more like it.
The pan is way too hot.
You might as well just throw it out and start again.
– Right, I forgot.
Medium-low heat for caramelization, right?
– Right.
– Hey, do you want a glass?
I think I have something other than Chardonnay.
– Is that code for me being a wine snob?
– No, it’s actually code for,
I’m gonna finish this bottle myself,
so let me get you another.
I may not know the difference
between my kale and my collards,
but I take my wine very seriously.
Cheers.
Come on.
(gentle music)
– I see you have all the big names out tonight.
It’s good that you’re doing the research.
Abby, you’re not cutting onions anymore, what’s up?
– I told you finances were tight.
They’re not, they’re dire.
If I don’t win this competition,
my grandma’s gonna have to sell the inn
to one of those big chain motels in town.
– It’s a lot of pressure to put on yourself.
– And that’s just the half of it.
You know, she has to sell, I’ll lose my job.
We won’t have this place anymore.
(gentle music)
My grandma’s in the early stages of Parkinson’s
and this is her last connection to my parents
and my grandpa too,
so it’s just really important for her mental health
that she stay in the inn.
– Why do you, you keep doing that?
Where’s your necklace?
– I used the rings to raise the entrance fee
for the competition,
so if I lose, the rings are gone too.
Oh, I’m so sorry.
You don’t need to, you don’t need to hear any of this.
I’m just blubbering all over you.
– How about that? Dinner and a show.
– Listen to you working on that sense of humor.
– Let’s give dinner another try.
It would be great for distraction management.
The key is to breathe, quiet the mind.
The competition is gonna be chaotic and noisy,
so you might as well get used to it.
– Should I get some wooden spoons
and pots and pans for your enjoyment?
– I’m hands off, I swear.
(gentle instrumental music)
– Okay, not bad.
I’m sorry, it definitely
could’ve used a lot more cheese.
– No apologies, no excuses.
Whatever you put
in front of someone is your masterpiece.
Be proud of it.
Don’t give them a reason to criticize it.
If they come up with their own, then fine.
– Okay, chef, honest opinion.
What did you think of this masterpiece?
– The pasta could have used two more minutes,
but other than that it was pretty good?
– You mean it?
– Yeah, I do.
– I have a question for you about your competition.
How did you get disqualified?
Was it store-bought chicken broth?
– Is it a little more complex than that.
My pop-overs didn’t rise two minutes
before the buzzer went off
and my sous-chef offered his rosemary potatoes.
Marcus later denied that he offered them to me
and that he played any part in it.
I was publicly shamed and he got his own TV show.
– That doesn’t seem right.
– I shouldn’t have been in the competition anyway.
I was not in a good place after my brother died,
but Roger persuaded
me to do it to honor David’s memory.
– Were you and Roger close?
– Not ever.
He likes to get under my skin.
At the funeral he said, "It’s a shame,"
and I quote, "The more talented brother died."
– Well, I never had the pleasure of knowing David,
but I think Jason Corwin’s pretty great.
– Well, I should get going.
7:00 AM sharp tomorrow.
Crash course on main courses.
– I feel like I’ve been doing a lot more crash
than course lately.
– A lot less crash every day.
I’m here to make sure of that.
You need to make sure you save the inn.
– Keep tomorrow night open for a field trip.
I think you and I could use some fresh air
after all this smoke inhalation that’s been going on.
– Good, we can talk about any surprises TNCN
might throw at you during the competition.
– Actually, I was hoping to maybe have a few hours
where we just don’t talk about the competition.
– Field trip it is.
– Great, I’ll pick you up at eight.
(gentle music)
♪ Snow’s building tall ♪
♪ Let’s let it fall ♪
– I’m gonna regret this. ♪ That’s my excuse ♪
♪ Stay here with you ♪
♪ The power just went out ♪
– It’s beautiful. ♪ We’re fine without it ♪
– It’s my favorite place to see the town at night.
It’s so calm and quiet. ♪ Stay here with you ♪
♪ The mistletoe ♪ – I’ve never seen anything
like it in the city. ♪ We’ll light a tree ♪
– There’s so many stars.
– It’s a hidden gem. ♪ And I’ll be yours tonight ♪
– This is magical, thank you.
♪ Still let’s pretend me and you ♪
♪ That Christmas was made for two ♪
– All right, I’ll get you back to the inn now.
(upbeat holiday music)
♪ We’re shopping, we’re dropping ♪
♪ We’re wrapping, we’re laughing ♪
♪ Having a good time ♪
– Hey, how are ya?
– Do I see a cookbook admirers?
– More like fanatics.
I haven’t seen this book in years.
I learned to cook omelets from this book.
– We came by the shop today
because we wanted a little inspiration
for my cooking lessons.
– Help yourself to anything.
You know your way around.
– Okay, I was also wondering if we could-
– Take some vegetables
off my hands from the greenhouse?
– Please.
– Let me see what’s ready and I’ll bring it right in.
She’s the best.
Let me show you this over here.
♪ Christmas is my favorite time of year ♪
♪ We’re shopping, we’re dropping ♪
♪ We wrapping, we’re laughing ♪
♪ Hey, jingle bells, jingle bells ♪
♪ Jingle all the way ♪
♪ Having a good time ♪
♪ Jingle bells, jingle bells ♪
♪ Jingle all the way ♪
♪ Having a good time ♪
– Wow, this is beautiful.
I would’ve killed to have produce like this as a chef.
I tried to do my own little rooftop garden
after my brother died, but all I grew was weeds.
– That can happen when you lose your life.
I lost mine when my mom died.
– So you stopped cooking?
– For a while.
Now and then I have friends over for dinner.
Your heart needs
to be in the garden to make it flourish.
You know, Abby is a beautiful light.
– Carrots, I just want carrots.
(playful music)
(instrument Christmas music)
("O Come, All Ye Faithful")
Looks like the TNCN crew has arrived.
I’m gonna let Laura check them in
so I can keep practicing.
Wanna join?
– I’ve actually got some errands to run.
– Okay.
– But I catch you later? – Yeah, sure.
(knife clunking, chopping)
– I need you out there.
They’re ready to go,
but I’m not sure they’re checking in.
– What?
– Whatever the guests want, they get.
We have to make sure everybody’s happy.
– Matilda’s RV broke down
and she won’t be back for a few days.
– Okay, we’ll need to organize the meal vouchers
for everybody until she gets back.
– Hmm, meal vouchers?
For that diner?
Is this some kind of joke?
– Merry Christmas.
My name’s Abby Dennings.
I’m the manager here at Brook’s Point Inn.
– You are the mystery
cook on our Christmas Chef Showdown.
– What?
Did I get selected?
– You haven’t heard? – No.
– Somebody from my team was supposed to contact Joan
and then Joan was supposed to contact you
and somewhere
it must have fallen through the cracks.
Congratulations, you have been selected.
– Thank you, thank you so much, that’s great.
– I’m Robert Evans, VP of Communications
and executive
producer at the National Cooking Network.
– Well, it’s so lovely to meet you Mr. Evans.
We’re so excited to have you here.
– I am sure you are now.
I only agreed to these accommodations
because I was told they include breakfast
and dinner here at the Inn.
Now, I’m having a very important client
to wine and dine with tonight
and if that kitchen is not running,
I’ll be more than happy to find somewhere else to stay
and I’m taking the entire crew with me.
– You know what?
That won’t be necessary.
Our chef has just had a slight delay outside of town-
– And Abby has hired an even better chef.
– Laura. – Excellent. Problem solved.
– Mr. Evans, wait.
– I’ve been waiting for too long Ms. Dennings.
Now, are you able to provide dinner or not?
– Yes.
Yes, we’ll have dinner ready for you
at seven o’clock tonight.
– Well then, it looks as if I’m checking in after all.
– [Abby] Wonderful.
– Is there anyone to pick up our luggage?
– Oh, absolutely.
– Laura, why did you say that?
– I panicked, we couldn’t let him leave.
– All right, stay
here and check in the rest of our guests
and I have to go prep dinner service.
Do you want me to call Jason?
– Nope. No, I got this.
– Welcome to the Brook’s Point Inn.
(gentle acoustic Christmas music)
("Jingle Bells")
– Jason?
– Hi, Laura.
It’s gotten a lot quieter up here.
– Yeah, ever since the TNCN crew got settled in,
things really settled down.
– Where’s Abby?
(glass shattering)
– I’ll give you one guess.
– Abby, what’s going on?
– Sorry, but I tried.
– Abby, no buts.
It’s like everything I told you over the last week
has just disappeared into thin air.
– Jason, that’s not true, I’m just…
Jason, Jason put me down, I have to cook dinner.
– Take a breath. What’s going on?
– Matilda isn’t back, but Roger Evans is here
and he’s here with his entire crew
and he is threatening to leave
if I don’t have dinner ready for them tonight.
– Take a breath.
– The festival’s a few days away
and I thought
I had this whole cooking thing in the bag,
but then I got here and I panicked
and there’s no way I’m gonna win that festival
and my grandma’s gonna have to sell this inn and it’s…
(Abby panting)
I needed to breathe.
– Why didn’t you just call me?
– Because you don’t work here.
And honestly, I didn’t know if you’d come.
– After everything we’ve been through this week,
you think I had abandon you now.
Abby, you’re the only reason I’m still here.
– Jason, I wanted your help, but I…
– Don’t think I’m ready for the kitchen?
– I don’t think that, but I don’t know if you think that.
– Ever since Cheryl’s
produce, my brain has not been able
to stop creating new dishes.
David and I always wanted a cooked farm-to-table.
I’m finally excited
about being back in the kitchen again.
– Really?
Do you have any new ideas?
– Lots, especially since I met you.
Take this.
(upbeat music)
Every chef needs one.
– It’s amazing.
No.
(both chuckling)
Jason, I don’t know what to say.
– Well, that is a first.
How long do you cook chicken supreme?
– Until it’s done?
– There she is.
Go get changed and grab some disposable gloves.
I’m gonna teach you the rules of poultry.
It’s gonna get messy.
– Hey.
(upbeat Christmas music)
♪ Girls in the kitchen ♪
♪ Talking about the year ♪
♪ (indistinct) ♪
♪ This Christmas ♪
♪ This Christmas ♪
(upbeat Christmas music continues)
♪ This Christmas ♪
♪ This Christmas ♪
(upbeat Christmas music continues)
– Is it good?
So why your loss for the intervals?
– Not bad.
– That was good, thank you.
– The plates are
empty, they’re practically licked clean.
Oh, what a rush.
– [Jason] Nothing like it.
– Oh, Jason, I can’t thank you enough.
– You held your own in there.
You should be proud of yourself.
– Wow, this is a little weird.
I kind of miss you yelling at me.
– I never yelled at you.
– Okay, but you wanted to, though.
– Wanting to is very different.
You’ve done wonders for my patience.
You were right.
I didn’t think I
was ready to step back into dinner service,
but I actually had a lot of fun.
It wasn’t just David’s dream.
I wanted this.
If it wasn’t for you, I never would’ve found
my way back to the kitchen.
(gentle music)
I can fill in for Matilda until she comes back.
That way we can carry on doing this
and you can keep on training.
– Really?
No, no, I’m so grateful for everything you’ve done,
but I can’t afford to hire a Michelin star chef.
(change rattling)
– There, now you’ve paid me, we’re even.
– It was worth every penny.
– (clearing throat) Pardon me.
Didn’t mean to interrupt.
– Hello, Roger.
– Jason.
You working here?
What a surprise.
– No, Jason doesn’t work here.
– Everyone’s wondering
where you’ve been, and here you are.
Well, thank you both for a delightful dinner.
Abby, I’ll have Chanel drop off your signed contract
at the front desk, although I’m not entirely certain
I’ll be proceeding with the competition.
– What?
I need this.
– Sylvan still has pneumonia,
which leaves me with Clara Tasker and you.
Now, I need a
professional second chef for my audience.
I need, wow, your local caller.
And I know you hate every single project I do,
but you are back in the kitchen, aren’t you?
– Oh, Jason would love to step in.
– Done.
Tomorrow, two o’clock.
– Okay, I know I shouldn’t have jumped in,
but this will give you a chance to clear your name.
– Abby, I don’t want to compete against you.
You need to win this prize money.
– Jason, you are at your happiest
when you are cooking in a kitchen.
You belong on that stage.
Do this for you.
(gentle music)
– Straight.
And turn right.
– Okay.
– Go in. – You almost there?
– Really, and sit to your left.
No peeking. – I’m not.
– And open your eyes.
– So what can I get for you guys today?
– Two BLTs on rye, please, Gail.
– [Gail] Sure.
– What?
The Jason Corwin in a diner?
– Well, I hear the BLTs are to die for.
I also hear Gail
got some of your famous Christmas pudding.
– Easy, you’re not getting that recipe.
It’s a family secret.
(phone buzzing)
– It’s Gary, it’s not important.
– It seems important.
– I need to focus, breathe.
– So we’ve got two BLTs on rye
and two strawberry shakes on the house.
And the famous pudding,
the one dish you always make perfectly.
– Come on, Gail, you know you’re not getting
that recipe either, it’s a family secret.
– Well, I will not stop trying.
– New York, you miss it.
– Less now.
I don’t have the same drive that I used to.
– Oh, I don’t believe that.
You come alive when you’re in the kitchen.
– For right now, I wanna be here with you
and trying this world-renowned BLT.
Unbelievable.
– Abby, you need to get to the hospital.
Alice had a spell.
(somber music)
– Gran, what happened?
– I tripped on the area rug in my room
and I knocked my head on the table by the door.
– Were you feeling dizzy again?
– No, Abby, I just tripped.
– It’s nothing to fuss about.
– We don’t know that, we don’t know.
– Abby.
– Gran, I need you to be okay.
– And I am okay, Abby, really.
Dr. Murray insisted I get rid of that loose area rug
and he made me promise to reduce my stress,
but there is one thing I would like to get off my chest.
I’ve been diagnosed with Parkinson’s.
My symptoms aren’t severe at the moment,
but I haven’t felt comfortable leaving the inn
for a few weeks.
I didn’t tell you because I didn’t want you
treating me any differently.
And Oscar, I’m still gonna beat you at Euchre badly.
– I know you will, Alice, I know you will.
– We’ll face whatever’s
coming together, as we always have.
– Absolutely.
(upbeat Christmas music)
– I think he still struggles,
but you should see him in the kitchen.
He’s so confident.
He knows exactly what he’s doing.
He’s just, he’s so passionate.
Honestly, it’s hard to focus on the chicken.
– Abby, you like him.
– Yeah, he’s just, he’ll have to go back
to his life eventually.
– Falafel for my lady.
– Ooh.
– Oh, let me get you a napkin for the Tahiti side.
– Okay, you and Brad though?
– I know.
Our resident
handyman is actually quite a gentleman.
– Well, as unofficial matchmaker,
I need a bite of this falafel.
– Last week you wanted me to stay,
now you want me to come home.
What’s changed?
– Roger’s frozen line is hurting the brand.
The board wants you back on as chairman.
– What if I don’t want it?
– You said you were cooking again.
– Yeah, and enjoying it for the first time in forever.
I mean, yesterday I made a beef wellington
and enjoyed every moment of it.
Why do I wanna go back
to everything that made me so miserable?
– Roger is hawking discounted frozen foods
made with the cheapest ingredients he can find
from who knows what sources under your name.
That can’t sit right with you, Jason.
– Of course it doesn’t.
– Well, then you need to head up your own company.
– Email me their proposal.
I bumped into Roger.
Long story short, I’m in TNCN competition.
– What?
– Anderson pulled out, they needed a replacement.
I’m here, it was last minute.
I mean, it seems legit.
– Just be careful.
– I know.
Abby Dennings, table for one?
– Well look who it is.
– What are you doing by yourself?
– The two lovebirds are over there by the pie table.
– Laura and Brad?
Nice.
How about a date to the crepe table
with a scandal-ridden moody ex-chef.
– I’m okay with scandal-ridden and moody,
but what kind of crepes are we talking about?
– Lady’s choice.
– Whipped cream.
– That’s your choice. – Mm-hmm.
– Okay, forget it, date’s off.
– What? Why? – You can have fresh berries,
cured ham, jams, and you choose whipped cream.
You have the palate of a six-year-old.
– Six-year-olds know what’s up.
Shall we?
(gentle music)
(people chattering)
(upbeat music)
– There’s so many people here right now.
– The whole town is behind you.
A very charming
Michelin-star chef is also rooting for you.
– Okay, I’m ready when you are.
– [Jason] Ready.
– Gran, how are you?
Are you sure you’re up for this?
You’ve had such a long day already.
– Okay, either you want me to get out more or you don’t,
but don’t go changing your mind on me.
I get confused enough these days as it is.
– I’m sorry.
– We love you. – I love you.
Thank you.
– Go get ’em. – Thank you.
– I’m gonna go get our seats. – Okay.
Hi, I’m Abby Dennings.
I’m the mystery contestant.
I’m just, I’m a huge fan of yours.
– It’s nice to meet you.
So how long have you been cooking for?
Oh, you know, a couple weeks.
– Good luck.
– I don’t know if I can do this.
– Yes, you can.
Win or lose, you’re gonna do it spectacularly.
There is no shame in that.
Remember, when you’re up there,
it is just you and the ingredients.
Nothing else matters.
Focus.
No shortcuts.
You’re gonna be great.
– Thank you, thank you.
(intense music)
– All right, everyone.
All right, everyone, camera’s roll in just a moment.
I need enthusiasm, I need applause, I need smiles.
And,
action.
(crowd cheering) (upbeat music)
Welcome to A Christmas Chef Showdown.
I would like to introduce you
to our emcee for this competition, Marcus Aiken.
(crowd cheering, applauding)
– Thank you, thank you.
Welcome to the TNCN Christmas Chef Showdown,
where two of the best chefs in the country…
– Marcus, my sous-chef.
– You mean the one who forgot to have your back?
– Yeah, but if it wasn’t for him, I’d still be in New York,
lonely and miserable, so if anything, I owe him.
– You’ll be making an appetizer,
a main dish with a side, and a dessert.
Each dish will receive a maximum of 10 points.
After the third
course, the chef with the highest points
will win $50,000.
(crowd cheering, applauding)
Now, please give a warm welcome to our contestants,
Clara Tasker head chef of the Beezoo in Chicago.
(crowd cheering, applauding)
Jason Corwin, of Crowin Brothers in Manhattan.
Welcome, Jason.
(crowd cheering, applauding)
And now, it’s time to meet our mystery cook,
Brook’s Point Harbor’s very own Abby Dennings.
(crowd cheering, applauding)
Ms. Dennings manages to Brook’s Point Inn
right here in town.
Chefs, you must
be dying to know this competition’s theme.
Whether it’s around
a big table or leftovers the next day,
this food is delicious and irresistible,
comforting, hearty, delicious.
– Your theme is Family Christmas.
Ho, ho, ho, ho. (crowd cheering, applauding)
– Contestants, you have 60 minutes to create
a festive appetizer that your family would love.
Good luck to each of you.
Your 60 minutes starts now.
(bell dinging)
– I am focused.
I feel ill.
Shortcuts, no, distraction management, yes.
Come on, Abby. Come on, Abby.
Bacon.
(upbeat music)
♪ In December, I see your smile ♪
♪ Your kiss of kindness ♪
♪ We’re going wild ♪
♪ Let us love one another this Christmastime ♪
♪ Christmas, our hearts can be amazed again ♪
♪ Christmas, let the whole world hold its breath ♪
♪ The whole world hold its breath ♪
♪ Christmas, counting down the days ♪
– Time. ♪ Until it’s Christmas ♪
♪ Our hearts can be amazed again ♪
♪ Christmas, let the whole world hold its breath ♪
(slide swooshing)
– Welcome back.
All the appetizers were delicious.
In first place with nine points,
Corwin’s chestnut soup with fried parsley.
(audience applauding)
In second place with a score of seven,
Tasker’s butternut squash spinach tart,
with leaves Abby’s bacon-covered water chestnuts
with crunchy cranberry
slaw in last place with six points.
Chef Corwin, I had the pleasure of tasting your soup.
What did you call it?
Cream of Corwin comeback? (audience laughing)
Congratulations.
Are you ready for round two?
For your next Family Christmas Challenge,
the main dish and side,
please spend your time wisely.
Contestants, begin.
(upbeat Christmas medley music)
(timer beeping)
And time.
(audience cheering, applauding)
(upbeat Christmas medley music)
Chef Corwin, trolled by the clock.
Just a few more seconds
and his spectacular
pork tenderloin would’ve made it
to the judges, but it did not.
The judges award you four points.
Dennings, your
roasted Brussels sprouts was refreshing.
Eight points.
Chef Tasker, your perfectly seasoned turkey
gave you the edge.
You win this round with nine points.
(audience cheering)
Chef Corwin, I’m sorry, your Family Christmas is done.
– Thank you for having in your kitchen, Chef Aiken.
– An executive
chef versus an aspiring cook, who will win?
It’s anyone’s guess.
(audience cheering, applauding)
– Cut, let’s take a break, thank you very much.
(lighthearted Christmas music)
– Eat some of the
gingerbread cookies, they’re still warm.
Wave to my grandkids. (laughing)
I’m filming all this.
– Abby, great work out there.
– Thanks.
Jason was instrumental in helping me
prepare for the competition.
– I bet, he’s a master of flavor and texture.
I miss working with him.
– You should speak with him.
– I know.
– Marcus, would you excuse us?
– Nice chatting with you.
– You’re doing wonderfully in this competition,
actually far beyond my expectations.
– Thank you.
– There is one little detail
that’s kind of bothering me, though.
When you signed the contract,
you stated that you never hired anyone from TNCN,
and yet that’s not entirely true, right?
– Yes, it is.
– You paid Jason to cook for your guests.
I saw it with my own eyes.
– Are you talking about that pocket change thing?
Because that was a total joke.
And besides, Jason doesn’t work for TNCN anymore.
You canceled his show.
– On air or not, he’s still on the contract,
which, for you my
dear, constitutes a violation of contract.
– Roger, I have to compete in this competition.
– Oh, no, I’m not kicking him out of the competition,
however, I need Clara to win.
You see, we need new on our talent and she’s a star.
But if she doesn’t win, I cannot give her a show now, can I?
– So let me get this straight.
You want me to lose on purpose, or what,
you’ll expose me
on national TV due to some clerical error?
– Do you really think that Jason
can withstand another scandal?
Because that’s exactly what’s going to happen
if his involvement comes to light.
– Jason had nothing to do with this.
I was the one who signed that contract.
– It doesn’t matter.
I will make the
public believe what I want them to believe
and perceptions
of wrongdoing and would only ensure
that Jason never
sets foot in a professional kitchen again.
– And you stay
CEO of Corwin Brothers, this is disgusting.
– This is business, Abby.
I am looking forward to seeing your dessert, stat.
– Welcome back.
It’s time for a final challenge,
the sweetest part of any meal, dessert.
Contestants, 60 minutes starting now.
(bell dinging)
(upbeat music)
♪ Yuletide’s coming ♪
♪ Something made amiss ♪
♪ You think that this year ♪
♪ To get your Christmas wish ♪
♪ Looking through the window ♪
♪ At the falling snow ♪
♪ Just like on a Christmas card ♪
♪ Hoping that he shows ♪
♪ It makes my heart skip a beat ♪
♪ Closer day by day ♪
♪ Santa’s gonna visit you ♪
♪ He’ll bring the endless sleigh ♪
♪ Hear the bells ringing ♪
♪ Distant choirs are singing ♪
♪ They’re coming with presents ♪ (timer buzzing)
♪ Christmas joy he’s bringing, yeah, yeah, yeah ♪
♪ Yeah, yeah, yeah ♪
♪ Coming on Christmas ♪
– Hmm, it smells like Christmas on this stage.
(audience laughing)
And the winner of
the Christmas Chef Showdown brought to you
by the National Cooking Network
with a perfect score for dessert, Abby Dennings.
(audience cheering, applauding)
– I won!
Thank you, thank you so much.
– Wow, our home cook beats two top chefs, unbelievable.
Tell us about your winning dessert.
– I can’t believe this.
Thank you, thank you so much.
To be honest, I lucked out with the Christmas theme
and I made my grandma’s Christmas mini puddings.
My family has enjoyed this recipe for generations.
I never fail at making this recipe
because I always take the time
to make it exactly the way my grandma does
because we always make it together.
I love you, Gran.
– Any plans for the $50,000?
– Yes, I plan to save our home, the historic
Brook’s Point Inn. – Abby, yeah!
(audience cheering, applauding)
– Okay, cut.
Abby, backstage now.
– Sure, yeah.
Here, Marcus, thanks.
– Did you really think I wasn’t serious,
that I wouldn’t destroy him?
I’m sending that press release.
– Oh, Roger, you know,
how older people are really bad with technology.
– What?
– Well, that’s a myth.
My friend Eloise just bought a new SD card.
She likes to take
a lot of videos and she just sent me this
of you threatening me.
– [Roger] You know it’s bogus, but do you think
that Jason can withstand another scandal?
Because this is exactly what’s going to happen
when his involvement comes to light.
– [Abby] Jason had nothing to do with this.
I signed that contract.
– [Roger] It doesn’t matter.
– [Marcus] Tell us about your dessert.
– I can’t believe this.
Chips.
Thank you, thank you so much. – Crisps.
Where should I put it?
– I lucked out with the Christmas theme
and I made my grandma’s-
– Roger really is a piece of work.
I’m sorry he did that to you.
– Wow, I never fail at making a recipe
because I always take the time to make it
exactly the way my grandma does.
– Marcus.
– Hey, Jason, it was good to see you back in the kitchen.
– It was good to see you too.
– Jason, I’m sorry.
I never had the guts to tell you the truth.
Your pop-overs didn’t rise
because I replaced
the all-purpose flour with pastry flour.
– You what?
– I sabotaged you,
then I suggested you use what I cooked.
– I appreciate you telling me that.
– You’re a good man and a great chef, Jason.
I’ve never met anyone with more integrity than you.
Everyone knew your head wasn’t in the game.
That only made it easier for Roger.
– It was Roger’s idea.
– He can read people.
He saw I was ambitious and he promised me my own show
if I did what he wanted.
– It was me that forgot the rules.
I appreciate you telling me,
but I have to take responsibility for my own plate.
– I’m so sorry, Jason.
I have no right to expect your forgiveness.
– Thank you.
(bright music)
– Okay, have fun.
There you go.
Thank you.
(fire alarm beeping)
You gotta be kidding me.
This is a cruel Christmas joke.
♪ While fields and floods ♪
♪ Repeat the sounding joy ♪
(fire alarm beeping)
– Jason, really?
– Well, I thought I would make it
like the first time we met.
– Yeah, except there was a lot more smoke in here.
– Hi, I am Jason Corwin, your new head chef.
– Really? You’re moving here?
Well, I don’t know, we have very high standards
here at Corwin Brothers.
– Well, I promised to work towards one more star, boss.
– Best Christmas ever.
– You get your parents’ rings back.
– I did.
Just in time for Christmas.
– I know we still have one more day, but I ran into Santa
and he told me to give you this.
– So does this mean Santa likes to cook?
– Of course.
How else would he get Mrs. Claus to say yes?
This book has inspired many great cooks.
– Many great cooks is right.
Thank you.
So we don’t normally
exchange gifts until Christmas morning,
but Gran wanted me to give you these.
– (laughing) Euchre. – Yeah.
– I’ve been practicing with Oscar.
I love you.
– I love you too.
Merry Christmas.
– Merry Christmas.
(gentle music)
(upbeat music)
♪ Yuletide’s coming ♪
♪ Something made amiss ♪
♪ You think that this year ♪
♪ To get your Christmas wish ♪
♪ Looking through the window ♪
♪ At the fallen snow ♪
♪ Just like on a Christmas card ♪
♪ Hoping that he shows ♪
♪ It makes my heart skip a beat ♪
♪ Closer day by day ♪
♪ Santa’s gonna visit you ♪
♪ He’ll bring the endless sleigh ♪
♪ You hear the bells ringing ♪
♪ Distant choirs are singing ♪
♪ They’re coming with presents ♪
♪ It’s Christmas joy he’s bringing, yeah, yeah, yeah ♪
♪ Coming on Christmas, yeah, yeah, yeah ♪
♪ Coming on Christmas ♪
♪ Christmas cheer turning off the lights ♪
♪ Snacks are laid out ♪
♪ To keep him going through the night ♪
♪ First thing in the morning ♪
♪ Jump right out of bed ♪
♪ Thoughts of what you’ll open first ♪
♪ Go running through your head ♪
♪ It makes my heart skip a beat ♪
♪ It’s Christmas day ♪
♪ Santa came to visit you ♪
♪ Came at his sleigh ♪
♪ You hear the bells ringing ♪
♪ Distant choirs are singing ♪
♪ He’s coming with presents ♪
♪ Christmas joy he’s bringing, yeah, yeah, yeah, ♪
♪ Coming on Christmas, yeah, yeah, yeah ♪
♪ Coming on Christmas ♪
(upbeat Christmas continues)
♪ Coming on Christmas ♪