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It's gonna work this time.

This time it is going to work.

Oh Grandma, please help this work.

There we go.

Rise and shine.

Or at the very least rise.

Please?

Okay.

Fasten your sleigh-belts

for a very special Christmas with moi Special,

featuring local holiday treats,

and an extra special Christmas recipe of my very own!

Coming at you this Christmas Eve

from lovely Vernon Falls!

But don't be scared.

I've been told that whenever Vernon falls,

he gets right back up again.

Oh, please!

Why'd you do that?

I knew that mention in O Magazine's Christmas edition

was gonna bite us!

I can't do it, Becky, okay?

Everybody wants Grandma's Lebkuchen,

the Enchanted Christmas Cake.

I can't even get one single one right.

I mean, who wouldn't want a magical Christmas cake

that makes people fall in love?

We could all use a little of that.

What attempt number is this?

Um, 27, I think. - Okay, well,

it's bound to happen soon.

It's process of elimination.

Okay, well I am in the slow and painful process

of eliminating my grandmother's legacy,

along with my sanity.

- Gwen? - Yeah?

Oprah put us in the top five bakeries in the country.

Oprah Winfrey!

Yes. Thank you for clarifying.

I thought you meant Oprah Jablonsky,

my elementary school bus driver.

This is serious publicity. Think about it.

Nobody's gonna get a Christmas cake

if I dunno how to bake!

Okay, you were baking beside Joyce for years.

Yeah but I wasn't watching the baking.

I was watching her.

Her passion for it, her love for it.

I mean, you can stand in the glow all you want,

and still not learn how to shine on your own. You know?

Did you-- did you read that somewhere?

Doesn't make it less true.

Well, did you call that producer back yet?

Dante's producer? No.

He's just gonna take what's ours, make it his own,

and debase her legacy.

Plus, I can't exactly share baking tips

when I don't know how to bake it.

But you do know how to bake. You just need to figure out

how to make the Enchanted Christmas Cake.

- Yeah. - Lemme see the recipe.

Fine.

Here.

I'm missing one ingredient.

Okay. I mean, how many ingredients

can start with the letters "ma"?

- A lot. - How many have you tried?

Oof. Let's see. Um--

Margarine, mascarpone, macadamia nuts,

maraschino cherries,

mayonnaise. - Ew.

Yeah, it was gross.

Um, mangoes, margarita mix, marsala, marshmallows--

Mambo No. 5?

Matzo, mashed potatoes-- I'm telling you, it's useless.

What does this "1,5" mean?

Did Joyce have 15 different types of Lebkuchen recipes?

I have no idea. Maybe.

Maybe it's the date when she came up with the recipe.

Hmm.

- The oven! - The oven.

It just can't get any worse. Dammit!

- - No, no-no-no-no.

Ugh.

- Well, I guess we can cross-- - Malt vinegar off the list?

Yeah.

Promo looked great, Dante.

Your cue card reading has gotten very... natural.

Can you tell me again why we're doing this Christmas special

in, um...

Vernon Falls?

Why don't we just go back to Vegas like last year?

I had a blast there. I won six grand

at the blackjack table.

Yeah but then you lost it all when you bet Celine Dion

you could beat her in an arm wrestle.

Who knew that woman would have arms of steel?

Listen. This nostalgia for a false past sells.

Plus, you're gonna be able to do the segment

on that Christmas cake Oprah sent you last year.

Oh, yeah, that cake was amazing. Hold on.

That does not go over there. It goes over there.

Over there. Go. Go, go.

Go. Over there.

You know that I tried to get that cake

as part of my holiday frozen food line,

but we got no response!

Well, you're gonna get another chance to convince them.

And the network's hoping this'll help with the ratings.

What's wrong with my ratings?

Nothing, nothing.

It's just the normal cycle of ups and downs,

but it'll be fine.

Listen, you're gonna be there when I check into the hotel

in Victor Falls, right?

Vernon Falls, yes.

Of course I'll be here.

But it's not a-- it's not a hotel, per se.

It's more of an inn.

You'll like it though. It's very-- it's very quaint.

No, "quaint" is code for "rustic",

and you know I don't do rustic!

Same reason I don't do themed restaurants.

I didn't mean to say quaint. Forget I said quaint.

I meant to say that it's very, um, authentic.

You like authentic, don't you?

I'm doing the eyebrow thing.

Okay, fine.

I will find you a place to stay that's more you.

Thank you. With a hot tub.

Okay. Listen, we just have to make sure

that this Oprah cake is part of the show!

Got it. That's my job. I'll do it.

We have seven days till Christmas.

See you tomorrow.

Hello?

Guy and his hot tubs.

Always a hot tub.

Ah.

Hey. - Hey.

Have a look.

Oh. Is that marmalade?

Uh-huh.

Wow. It is so sweet.

It's like one of those punch concoctions

that you get at a homecoming dance.

- Ugh. - In high school, yeah.

Try some? - No. I think I'm good.

Look, the good news is

you are just one ingredient away from a total masterpiece.

Okay.

It's like your grandparents' story, it's so romantic.

Yes. Okay.

It's Christmas time. A young actor travels across Bavaria

with his theatre company.

The night before his big performance in his lead role

of Romeo & Juliet, the handsome actor tragically falls ill!

Knowing the show must go on,

the town innkeeper sets out

to make his century-old family recipe, the Lebkuchen,

known today as the Enchanted Christmas Cake.

This legendary cake has magical restorative healing properties

but the innkeeper was missing one key ingredient.

Oh. And so, he sends out his granddaughter to look for it

in all the markets of the town,

but she can't find it.

Dejected, she sits down on a bench in the falling snow

and then an old beggar woman appears.

She sits next to her on the bench,

grabs her hand, squeezes it gently and says--

"Just when you're not looking for it,

"that's when you find it"?

Then she pulls out of her coat pocket the missing herb.

The young girl was so excited, she ran back to the inn.

The young actor, he eats the cake and instantly feels better!

And from then on, they spent the entire Christmas together,

falling in love.

Then they were destined to have a granddaughter

that couldn't bake to save her life.

Buzzkill!

Joyce probably had a backup recipe somewhere, right?

Preferably laminated.

I did make her this jewelry box when I was little

and she used to put all her important things in it.

Her treasures, she would say.

I can ask Grandpa and see if he knows where it is.

It's a lead. It's something.

What are you waiting for? Go!

- Oh! - Wha-- wha--

Whoa, whoa. Whoa-ho.

- Good catch. Thank you. - Thank you.

Um, it's pretty lucky 'cause usually I'm kind of klutzy.

You've got very nice cupcakes.

That didn't sound right. I'm sorry. Anyway, I sorry.

It's okay, you're welcome to come by the bakery anytime.

I'll be there,

along with my cupcakes.

Wait. You're the baker?

What gave me away?

No.

It's just that, uh, I was expecting someone older.

Someone named, um--

Joyce. - Joyce.

Um, she was my grandmother. She passed away.

- Oh, I'm sorry. - That's all right.

Wait, does that make you Gwen, her granddaughter?

Yes.

Uh, Gavin. Gavin Wright.

You're the producer?

Yes, I am. Yes, I am.

Well, I apologize for not returning your phone call.

It's okay. It was about 12 calls,

but who's counting?

Well, I'm just really not interested. Thank you, though.

Oh, wait. Just-- just one final time, you're sure?

I would love to chat, but I'm really late.

And just be careful out there.

You might run into the butcher and the candlestick maker.

Yeah, right, okay.

- Okay. - See ya.

- Bye. - Uh, hey, Dan. What's up?

- Oh, Gavin!

Okay, listen. I've been doing some research

on that Liverchicken lady. Uh, Joyce something-or-other?

It's Lebkuchen.

Yeah, those Germans have to have a funny word

for everything, don't they?

Yeah, well, it is a different language.

Whatever. Okay, listen to this.

"Local Grandma Bakes Enchanted Cakes". Huh?

Come on, that is ratings gold.

People go for this pithy Christmas stuff.

She passed.

No, the road to success is paved with passes.

Passed away, Dan.

And I just ran into her granddaughter, literally.

It's likely a no.

Everybody has their price. Huh?

Imagine the editorial value of this.

If we empower our viewers

to make their own love at Christmas.

Hmm?

Well, we'll have to think of a different way of wording it,

but I get what you mean. - You wrote that down?

Yes, yes, I wrote it down.

Okay, good. Now listen to me.

We really need this.

I think the network is onto my, um--

My fake, uh--

Fake? There's nothing fake about you, Dante.

You're the most authentic person I've ever met in my entire life.

Thank you.

That means a lot.

Listen, we need this enchanted cake, okay?

Or we're cooked.

Yeah, okay. I got it.

Hello?

The man never says "bye".

- - Hey, Mom.

Honey, how are you doing?

Holding on. Somewhere between Bundt and Jell-O?

But I'm holding up.

Oh, darling.

I know this is tough on you.

Your first Christmas without your grandmother.

Ooh, ooh, it's hard on me too.

Yeah, but you're at a spa in Boca Raton

and I am here running her bakery.

Maybe you should just close up the bakery

and come join me!

I am getting a kite-surfing lesson

this afternoon with a Hotstralian.

I'm sorry, what?

Hotstralian, 'cause he's--

Ah, hot and Australian. I get it.

Like one of those Hemstrich boys?

Hemsworth, Mom.

And I can't exactly leave Grandpa alone at Christmas,

so I'm here.

He likes being alone! People get on his nerves.

Hi, Daddy! How are ya doing?

I'm good.

Those TV people booked a lot of rooms.

Keeps me busy, takes my mind off things.

Well, I really have to skedaddle.

Merry Christmas, I love you both!

Muah, muah, muah!

Don't look at me. I tried to be a good father.

Well, that's just Mom being Mom, right?

I guess everybody deals with these things in their own way.

Yes, that's true.

I busy myself with work, your mom needs to escape, and you--

well, you bake. - Yeah.

Are you sure you can fill all those Lebkuchen orders?

Less than a week till Christmas.

Absolutely!

A lot of people in town think those cakes

will bring them romance at this time of year.

Ha! Sure worked for Joyce and I.

We were the original R and J.

Well, not the original. They poisoned themselves to death.

Right.

Heh. Speaking of love lives, how's yours going?

Oh you know,

it's just a it on hold with the whole bakery and everything, so.

Sounds like you could use a little enchanted cake yourself.

You might be right.

Oh, but I actually came to ask you

do you know where Grandma's jewelry box is?

The one I made her in sixth grade?

Maybe at your mother's house?

She kept some things, you know, sentimental value.

You've got a key to her place, right?

I do, yes. At the bakery. Anyway, I brought you cupcakes

for your guests, for yourself, and I have got to go.

Okay. Have a good one!

- Thank you. - Love you!

What do you mean, the Lebkuchen aren't ready?

- I'm sorry, George. - I am desperate.

The Vernon Falls Community Players' Christmas Pantomime

is in a few days and as artistic director,

I promised the cast that I would get some Lebkuchen

for, you know, luck!

How about a Yuletide pie?

Oh, pie is fine but everybody knows

the Lebkuchen is supposed to bring love,

and I want the audiences to love our performances.

I mean, technically

it's supposed to inspire romantic love.

Uh, technically I'll take whatever I can get.

Hey, what play are you putting on this year?

Oh, it's a delightful musical mash-up.

Uh, Scrooge, Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer,

and The Nutcracker. We're calling it Scroogedolphcracker.

- George. - Ah! Gwendolyn!

Well, you are gonna need all the love you can get.

We will have the Lebkuchen ready by Sunday.

Sunday is our final dress rehearsal.

I understand that but we're really backed up right now

and I'll throw in an extra.

Fine. It will have to do.

Thank you.

- Oh! New scarf. - Yes, it is.

- Very alluring. - Thank you.

Mm-hm.

Maybe I should just pack it all in now and go join Mom in Boca.

Yeah! You should do that. Just give up, throw in the towel,

and while you're at it, go back to Duncan.

I'm not that desperate. -

Hey, hey-hey-hey. Forget about Mistletoe Muffins.

Stud muffin approaching twelve o'clock.

That's him.

That's the producer. - That's the TV producer?

Yes.

Okay, you know he's not wearing a wedding ring, right?

How can you see that from here?

Do you have hawk's eyes or something?

Yeah, hawk's eyes for hot guys.

Oh my God, okay. Shh. Hi.

Yep. Hi! You found me.

I did, yes. Uh, because you're the baker

and this is the bakery.

It was a process of elimination thing.

Also you said I could come by anytime, so here I am.

I did say that, didn't it?

Yeah. - Uh, Gavin, this is Beck--

Oh, you know what? I forgot my dry cleaning

so I just gotta go pick that up. Okay, bye!

Bye. Huh.

Uh, look, I don't wanna keep bothering you or anything,

but I'm just wondering if you'd give me

three minutes of your time?

That's it.

Three minutes.

Okay. Uh, well, as you know,

I'm the producer of Dining With Dante

and we would love to have you and your Lebkuchen on our show.

Points for pronunciation.

Thanks.

I'm guessing it comes from the German "Liebe"

which is "love" and "kuchen" which is "cake", right?

Wow. That's really good.

Yeah. I have a penchant for food trivia. It's kinda dorky.

No, it's not.

Thank you.

But I don't wanna spend my time, my three minutes,

talking about myself, so let me keep going here.

Um, you know, being on a nationally televised show

would do wonders for the bakery, your customers.

My grandmother would never let a secret family recipe

fall into the hands of a fraud like Dante.

Sorry.

It's okay.

You're not entirely wrong.

Listen, it's just that my grandmother loved to bake

for the joy of it, not so much for the profit.

Right, right. But, but it is a love cake, right?

And uh, I mean who doesn't wanna share their love?

I try to share my love with as many people as possible.

Wow, that did not sound the way I meant it to sound.

I'm sorry.

Hold on a second.

Oh, I'm sorry. One sec, this--

Hey, Bug.

Look, you are going to love Vernon Falls at Christmas.

It's gorgeous here!

And I promise, you know,

on the 26th you can go back to your friends.

Antigua?

Of course your mother and Jeff are going to Antigua.

Listen, Bug, I'm just kind of in the middle of something.

Can I call you back?

Okay. I love you.

Bye.

Sorry 'bout that.

- Was that your kid? - Yeah, yeah.

She's 13 and a half going on 35.

So, are you sure I can't convince you to be on the show?

It's a lot of fun.

Listen, I think that you're a really nice guy

and I'd love to help you but I have a lot going on right now.

Maybe you wanna check out Vernon's Pastries?

It's just two streets down, or the Christmas Market.

They have a lot of great local stuff there.

- Okay. Oh, um-- - Mm-hm?

One more question. I get that you don't wanna be in the show.

That's fine. It's disappointing but fine.

Um, why don't you be my fixer?

Your fixer?

Um, what exactly would I be fixing?

Well, it's like a scout. A location scout.

Someone just to show me around

and help me make this Christmas special all the more special.

Um, I will have to think about it.

Okay, good. I'll take that as a maybe.

A more than a maybe.

Anyway, sorry. Where's the, uh--

You said Vernon, the--

It's just straight out to Bay Street and then to the left.

- Patisserie, okay. - Yeah. Mm-hm.

Thank you.

Wait, maybe that TV show can help you!

Were you listening the whole time?

Or, maybe he's your missing ingredient.

I'm gonna be right back.

Gavin.

Hey, what is it that you need fixed?

Uh, a hot tub.

Not like a plumber, um--

I just need somewhere for Dante to stay.

- With a hot tub. - Yeah.

Uh, fixed! I know just the place.

Great. When can we see it?

Uh, do you wanna go take a look at it?

Sure. In this?

Don't worry, she's roadworthy.

Well, this is my mom's house.

She rents it out for the holidays if she can.

Thus the over-the-top Christmas decorations.

And the real estate agent.

Yeah, I didn't know he was gonna be here.

Well, if this is a bad time we can come back later.

No, it's fine.

Really, we're good. - Okay.

Great.

Whoa.

Yeah, as you can see, my mother's taste's a bit much.

No, this is, uh--

This is perfect.

Oh, yeah. Dante will love this.

You think it's still available?

- I hope so. - Hi!

- Hi, Duncan. - Hey, Gwen!

It's so great to see you! Wow, a long time.

Right.

How's the bakery?

It's fine! What's with the antlers, Duncan?

Oh. 'Tis the season.

Real estate's a very competitive market.

You've gotta find ways to stand out.

Plus, what's wrong with a little Christmas spirit, huh?

You can spare me the TED talk.

We just wanna know if the place is available?

We need it for Dante.

Oh!

Hope you don't go crazy with the fireplace.

Dante's Inferno? Burn?

Oh, I'm-- I'm not Dante.

My name is Gavin Wright.

I'm the producer of Dining With Dante, the show?

Oh, of course! Yes, the news is all over town.

Well, welcome to Vernon Falls!

Thank you.

Estelle's house is the perfect place

for a man of his stature.

I mean, it's worth every penny!

Oh, uh, I will be handling this.

It is my mom's place, after all.

Mom's house, my commish.

Yeah, but weren't you just speaking about,

you know, Christmas spirit?

And you're still gonna get your "commish".

Gwen, huh?

Feisty as ever, huh?

Oh, listen. It was very nice meeting you, Mr. Wright.

- Yes. - Best of luck to your show.

- Thank you. - All right.

Gwen.

Uh--

I'm not an empath or anything

but there seemed to be a little bit of awkwardness

between you two.

Well, I've known him since high school.

We dated a few years back. It didn't end well.

Yeah, no kidding.

Uh, so did you say there was a hot tub?

Right. Uh, it is out back.

Why don't you go take a look?

I just need to get something from upstairs.

- Sure. Out back there? - Yes.

- Okay, yeah. - Good.

Come on.

Hi. Sorry to keep you waiting.

Oh, it's okay.

This is your sister.

No, it's my mother, actually.

Oh.

That sounded like a cheesy line.

I didn't mean it to be like that.

It's just, she looks really young.

Well, she did have me when she was really young.

I mean, we are really close because of that.

We are also incredibly different.

How so?

Well, take Christmas for example.

She loves the spectacle,

she likes to be on the go all the time,

and I like the opposite.

I like to see people slow down, and connect with each other.

But you run a Christmas bakery.

Doesn't that make the holidays very busy for you?

I didn't say it was slow for me.

I just-- I like to see it in other people.

Oh, yeah.

So, do you think the place is gonna work?

- Oh, this is-- this is perfect. - Great.

I mean, Dante's gonna love it. He's gonna love this kitchen.

Oh, yeah. You know, it's funny. My mom doesn't bake or cook.

She doesn't use it at all. Unless you count frozen pizzas.

That counts, ish.

Where is she now?

Oh, she's at a spa in Boca Raton. It's--

it's her way of dealing with the first Christmas

without my grandmother, actually. I don't blame her.

Oh.

Gavin, I have a proposition for you.

Uh, if I help you with what you need,

maybe you could do the same for me.

You have my curiosity piqued.

Dante's an expert, right?

- Yeah. - Okay.

I was hoping that I could pick his brain.

I'm just experimenting a little bit with some of my cakes.

Why fix what's not broken?

Let's just call it Enchanted Christmas Cake 2.0?

I just-- I think that some of his insights

could be helpful to me, so.

This could be the show.

The show?

Yeah, a segment of the show.

You and Dante baking cakes together.

It's perfect. We could shoot it right here!

I don't think I'm up for being in the show,

or a segment of the show.

I don't quite know what that means. It's not really me.

Come on, it's easy.

No.

- You sure? - Yeah.

So you just wanna talk to him, that's it?

That's it. That's it.

And if you could make that happen and happen soon,

then he can stay here, he can shoot here,

he can land a sleigh on the roof for all I care. It's just--

as long as I'm not involved in any way.

Reindeer on the roof is interesting.

But don't mention it to him 'cause he'll make me do it.

Things like that have happened before.

Right.

So, you'll talk to him for me?

Well, how can I say no?

I mean, you found me this great house.

Of course, yeah, sure.

Great.

I will make sure that Duncan has all of the details

and um, yeah. It'll be fine.

Great. And I'll talk to Dante

about what we discussed and I'll give you a call.

Sounds good.

- Thanks for the ride. - Mm-hm.

Yes?

Do you think you'd--

you would like to have dinner sometime?

Sure. Sometime.

- Okay. See ya. - Bye.

♪ We wish you a merry Christmas ♪

♪ We wish you a merry Christmas ♪

Someone is in a good mood! Did you figure out the recipe?

Uh, no. But I did find this.

There's a number one and five on the back.

There's also a number one and five

on the back of the Lebkuchen recipe.

Okay. So maybe it's the date they met or wedding anniversary?

Or maybe it's nothing at all. I don't know.

So, then why are you in such a good mood?

Well, in exchange for allowing

to stay and shoot at my mother's place,

Gavin has arranged a meeting between the two of us

so that I can pick his brain

and maybe find that missing ingredient.

Now tell me, about the producer.

What about him?

He may have asked me to dinner. -

There it is. - What? It's just dinner.

We're helping each other out, professionally.

Okay, hot shot.

Keep playing cool but, uh, I'm onto you.

So, she's modifying her recipe

and she wants me to help her.

Oh, this is gonna be easier than I thought.

Okay, but she's not gonna give you the recipe for the show.

She doesn't have to.

I'll figure it out.

I'll make my own lovemunchkin.

The cake is called "Lebkuchen"

and that recipe belongs to her.

I'll change it up a bit. It'll be mine.

Before you steal someone's intellectual property,

just let me talk to her, see if I can bring her around, okay?

She seems like a nice person.

And she's had a bit of rough go with it

with the passing of her grandmother.

Okay? I'll see you tomorrow.

Hello?

What did I say about not answering the phone

when you're in the bathroom?

I'm cocooning, Gavin!

Mr. Dante, don't you think we just went a little too far

with the Christmas decorations?

Less is more, right?

No.

Less is less.

More is more!

I want a cornucopia of Christmas!

I want a festive festoon, a Yule-tidal wave!

Come on, keep it up!

Oh, thank you.

Dante, this is Gwen. She bakes, uh--

Enchanted cakes, I know. Enchantée.

Wow, I thought my mom went nuts with the Christmas decorations

but you guys have brought this to a whole new level.

Well, this is what makes our Christmas special special.

Come, sit down, please!

Thank you.

Mi casa es su casa.

Actually it's my mother's, but I'm glad that you feel at home.

Well, we're paying for it now, so mi casa.

Anyway, Gavin tells me that you're changing the recipe.

Actually, I was hoping that you could help me out.

Um, since you are a master and all.

Well, flattery will get you everywhere.

Okay! Lemme see your recipe

and I will tell you what I would do to improve it.

Well, I'd rather not.

I was hoping that you could just give me your two cents

on some sweet ingredients- maybe an obscure sugar or spice

native to Germany that you know of?

Well, I can't exactly help you

unless I know exactly what you're working with.

I mean, I could name dozens

of obscure German sugars and spices--

the "schlieffenblan", for example.

But it's not about the individual ingredients.

It's about how they all meld together and transform

in that magical alchemical thing that we all call baking.

Listen, I-- I don't mean to offend you,

but this is something that is very special

between my grandmother and I, so,

I'd like to keep it to myself, please.

Wasted my time, Gavin. You wasted my time.

I'm sorry, he's like a child. He throws tantrums.

I never know what I'm gonna get

from moment to moment.

That's fine. I'll handle it.

Can I ask you something?

Why do you need his help?

You've baked the cake before. Why can't you just do it again?

Well, I haven't baked it. My grandmother baked it

and now she's not here anymore so it's, you know,

a little difficult. - Oh.

Right. And she's-- - Yeah.

Right.

Well--

Maybe you just need to take your mind off of it?

I mean, why don't we-- why don't we do something?

Why don't you take me around

and show me some Christmas or something?

I mean, look, he's gonna be choosing his wardrobe

for the next two and a half hours, so I have some time.

Doesn't he just wear white?

Well, yes, but you'd be surprised

how many different shades of white there are.

It's like a paint store.

Christmas, huh?

Yeah!

Maybe you're right.

I need a Christmas tree for the bakery, and you owe me.

I do owe you, definitely.

And Christmas trees are heavy and hard to carry around.

Look at me.

People say I put the "man" in "manual labor".

You want me to carry a Christmas tree?

I can do that for you. - Really?

- Absolutely, let's go. - Wow, okay.

So, what's your story, Gwen Miller?

Small town girl, always dreamed of being a baker?

Pretty much.

My mom wasn't really the maternal type,

so my gram raised me.

You know how at Christmas when kids look forward

to everything that Santa's gonna bring them?

- Yes. - Not me.

All I cared about was baking Christmas cakes with Grandma.

And now with her gone I feel like the recipe's lost,

you know?

Over one ingredient?

Can't you just improvise?

Uh, yeah, believe me, I've tried. It's just--

You know what the worst part is?

It feels as though I'm forgetting a part of her,

or us. It kills me.

Yeah, it's just a cake, though. I mean, you still--

you still have your memories.

Oh, no. See, Gram would disagree with that.

A cake isn't just a cake. It's-- it's life.

That's what she said.

You put love in, you get love out.

Huh. So, she taught you everything.

No. Actually, when I was 19, I went to Le Cordon Bleu in Paris.

- What? Get outta here! - Yeah.

I mean, I didn't stay. Well, she needed me here,

And she would never say anything but I could--

I just knew it was overwhelming for her, so.

I just-- I had to come home, you know?

For her.

Oh. That's nice.

And that's it.

- This? - That's the tree. Yeah!

Just looks like a tree to me.

No, no, no. Um, let me explain something.

This is a spruce. - Oh.

Okay? You see those over there? Those are firs.

Spruce, fir.

Yeah, I--

It's a little less fragrant, but--

The point is, okay,

most people love the smell of a Christmas tree

but there is nothing on Earth

more beautiful than the smell of baked goods.

- Agreed. - Right?

- So, this one? - Yes, please.

- Shall I? - Yep.

♪ O, little town of Bethlehem

If you could do anything in the world, what would it be?

Anything in the world? Uh-- Heh.

Well... there's this documentary

in Europe that I wanna do, but it's--

I would never have the time

because Dante keeps me busy.

What's the subject matter?

You really wanna know?

I really wanna know.

Okay. Well,

I wanna do this doc about the history of food.

Because it's just so fascinating that we--

we eat all these things all the time

and we just kinda take them for granted,

but they all have such rich history.

Wow, I feel like, uh, a real food geek.

Hit me with a factoid.

- Factoid, uh-- - Mm-hm.

Okay. Well, pasta, for example...

not originally Italian.

- No! - Yes.

Marco Polo brought it back from China.

They should have called him Marco Yolo.

You didn't-- you didn't just say "Marco Yolo", did you?

- I sure did. - Wow.

- It was pretty good. - Thank you.

It was pretty good.

You know, that is very Gen Z humor of you.

- Oh. - Michelle is gonna love you.

That's a good thing.

What about you?

What would you do if you could do anything?

Well, I'm pretty much doing it.

I would really love to finish my course at the Cordon Bleu

but otherwise, I'm good.

So, are we both food geeks?

Two food geeks, I like it.

What do you think? We're done?

I think we're ready to light it up.

Oh, yes. Can't wait.

Moment of truth. Here we go.

- Amazing. - It's so great, isn't it?

Beautiful.

Well, if you don't have

any more decorating chores for me this evening,

then maybe I should--

You are finished.

Well then, I should probably go.

Can I call you a cab?

No. No, I'm-- gonna walk.

Right.

- Get some fresh air. - Mm-hm.

Uh, but I was thinking--

we should have that dinner.

You know, sometime.

Somewhere. Maybe.

Sometime, somewhere. Maybe.

- Deal. - Deal.

Thank you for sharing this with me.

Well, thank you for helping. - Good night.

Good night. - Good night.

One and five.

Hi, G.

Hey. Uh, Grandpa, I just wondered,

did you and Grandma get married on January 5th

or May 1st, by any chance?

Uh, nope. Our wedding anniversary is July 26th.

Okay. Um, how about the first day you met?

Christmas Eve, 1957.

Okay. Thank you.

Are you okay? - Yeah, yeah. I'm fine.

Okay, well talk soon.

Okay, I will do the segment.

Only if I can talk about the history of the cake

and the bakery.

Absolutely. Absolutely, deal. Yeah, that's fine.

Okay.

Great!

Um, can I buy you a cup of coffee?

- Um-- - I'm kidding, it's free.

We can just have it. - Yeah, okay.

I mean, of course I read about it in O,

but to hear you say it on the show is gonna be really special.

I mean, it's an incredible love story.

Yeah, I know. Every Christmas we would sit around

and we'd have the Lebkuchen, we'd toast egg nog.

It's not gonna be the same this year.

Yeah. Yeah, I get it.

Last few Christmases have been really tough on Michelle.

Just bouncing back between me and my ex.

Do you and your ex get along, at least?

Uh...ish.

We're both just really different people.

We got married young 'cause that's what you did,

and we gave it our best shot.

You know, lately I've been thinking

about how so many people

get stuck in this rut

when they're going through the motions of living life

without actually giving much thought

to what it's really about.

You really believe that?

Yeah, kind of.

I mean, look at me.

I'm producing this Christmas special

with this narcissistic chef

who's only interested in promoting his own brand.

I mean, that's not Christmas. It's not special.

Well, at least you get to spend some time with your daughter.

Right? That's what Christmas is about anyway.

Speaking of.

Hey, she's here. - Who?

Michelle. I had Dennis, our driver,

pick her up at the train station.

Come meet her. - Um--

- Come on! - Okay.

- Dad! Merry Christmas! - Hey, Bug!

Merry Christmas! How was the trip?

Good. I managed to watch most of It's a Wonderful Life.

Cool. That's kind of our favorite movie.

- Oh. - I'm sorry.

- That's okay. - Uh, Michelle, this is Gwen.

Gwen, Michelle. - Nice to meet you.

You too!

Gwen owns the local bakery and she's gonna be on the show.

Cool.

How's the id?

The id is fine.

The id is-- fine.

That's what we call Dante. Not to his fine.

Oh.

Not that he would get the reference anyway if we did.

But, uh, he's kind of a walking, breathing id.

I'm all superego, of course.

He's just an insecure guy, that's all.

There is a reason for that though.

You know, who needs therapy

when your daughter's got Freud down pat?

- Absolutely. - It's convenient.

Is there anything fun to do in this town?

We do have the Christmas Market.

It's a lot of fun, it's happening tonight, maybe--

maybe we could all go together.

Yeah.

That sounds cool. It's a date.

It's a date.

But you gotta stay here for a couple hours with me

'cause Dad's gotta work.

- Really? - Yes.

If you wanna go to college, then I have to work.

Hey, why don't you come to the bakery with me?

We could make a creation all your own.

That sounds way more fun.

Okay, well I will have Dennis take you over to the bakery

after you drop your stuff off at the hotel.

Uh, be right back. - Sure.

- Dennis! One sec. - Yeah.

Really nice to meet you! You too!

So what's the house specialty?

- Don't ask. - Why?

- It's called Lebkuchen. - Leb-what?

Enchanted Christmas Cake.

Oh, we are definitely making that.

Believe me, I wish I could.

But you said it was your specialty.

Well, it's supposed to be.

I'm just struggling a little bit with the ingredients.

You see, you've got the basic ingredients,

but my grandmother's recipe is way sweeter.

You want the flavors to work together

but still maintain their unique quality.

Does that make sense?

It's like when I was going out with Joey Lafferty.

I was so into him. I sort of forgot what I liked to do.

It was very co-dep.

- Co-dep? - Co-dependent.

Wow. I had no idea what that was at your age.

Kids are smarter these days.

Apparently!

So, you're missing an ingredient for the Christmas cake.

I am. I only have four days to figure it out.

And the only thing I know about it

is that it begins with an "MA".

Have you tried maple syrup?

Actually, no. That is a good idea.

Let's do this.

Ah. And--

Really?

Oh, it smells so good!

Well, the proof is in the pudding,

or the Lebkuchen.

- There you go. - Thank you.

- Ready? - Yes.

- Mm. - Mm!

It's amazing! - It's pretty good.

I'm not gonna lie. But it's not hers.

So what? Maybe people will like this better.

Or maybe they won't.

Maple syrup! Why didn't we think of that?

I know!

Hi! I'm Becky, Gwen's best friend and smartest advisor.

Well, second smartest now.

You must be--

This is Gavin's daughter Michelle.

Nice to meet you.

Sorry I couldn't solve your ingredient problem.

That's okay.

At least it gives us one more to cross off the list, right?

- This version is really good! Mm-hm.

- It could be a backup at least! - I think so, maybe.

We're all going to the market tonight.

Oh, I am so in.

Okay. Well, thank you, ladies.

Pleasure.

Hi.

Moonlight on the Seine.

What?

Ain't got nothin' on you.

Thank you.

But I really can't take credit.

It's all about these ladies here.

I picked the dress.

And the lipstick's mine.

And it will be back to ponytail and foundation tomorrow, so.

Okay.

- Shall we? - We shall.

Well, they're getting along like a house on fire.

You said Michelle is 13 going on 30.

Well, Becky is 30 going on 13.

Right.

So, what's the latest with the Lebkuchen?

Michelle and I made one today, actually.

I didn't find the missing ingredient

but I can't lie, it was pretty good.

You know, maybe you don't need this missing ingredient,

you know?

Maybe people will like yours for what it is.

No way. Thank you, but no way.

All right.

It's a little slow tonight, isn't it?

For a small town, it's a really late crowd.

No, really.

When bridge and shuffleboard end at the seniors' center,

the septuagenarians will be out here dancing until dawn.

Okay, come on.

I'm serious! The old folks,

they are gonna party like it's 1929, trust me.

- Really? - Mm-hm.

Should we give it a shot?

- What, dance? - Yeah.

Well, there's barely anybody out there.

Good! Fewer witnesses to my terrible dancing.

What do you say?

- Yeah-- - Um, I'll take that.

Oh, yeah. Thank you! Thanks.

- Your jacket. - Thank you.

- Go on! - Okay.

Give you this too. We'll be back.

Okay.

They're pretty good together, huh?

Yep.

How do you feel about your dad and Gwen?

I just want him to be happy.

Oh, that's Gwen's grandma.

Baker of the famous Christmas cake?

Mm-hm.

If only that photo could talk,

we would finally know how to replicate that recipe.

R and J?

Her grandparents' initials.

Could also mean Romeo and Juliet, like a double entendre.

Especially since that's exactly how they write it

in Shakespeare's plays.

Do you want my opinion on this whole thing?

Yeah.

I think you gotta follow your gut.

You just gotta do you. - Hmm.

Did Michelle teach you that expression?

Uh, yes. Yes, she did.

She's, uh, slowly trying to make me cool.

Hmm. is that working out for you?

It's not working. It's not working out.

But I'm serious.

That special something you're looking for,

you've got it.

Believe me.

Really?

Yeah, really.

Oh my God, you've gotta see this!

Right now, Becky?

Yes, right now. Look at this!

Yes, it's the photograph of my grandparents.

Yeah, but "R and J".

Those are their initials, Ron and Joyce.

Or Romeo and Juliet, you know, the whole reason that they met.

Yeah, and?

Those numbers, one five?

They probably mean act one, scene five.

We studied Romeo and Juliet in drama class this year.

Okay, well what does it say in act one, scene five

of Romeo and Juliet?

I can't remember.

Can we Google it or something? - I've been trying,

but the reception in this entire town is terrible.

Wait a minute, I think I know

who might be able to answer this.

I have to go. - Oh, yeah.

Absolutely, go ahead. - Okay.

Oh, wait! Wait, wait, wait.

Or, or-- and just hear me out--

Gavin, why don't you go with her?

You know, Michelle and I can stay here, have fun, hang out.

Right, Michelle? - Absolutely.

You should go, Dad.

- Really? - I'll be fine.

- Okay. - Okay, yeah.

- Yeah, let's go. - Sure. All right, well--

Thank you!

- You guys are-- you're fine. - Of course.

- Yeah, okay. - Okay. Well, bye.

- Get outta here. - Bye!

Go, bye!

This calls for some gingerbread cookies, wouldn't you say?

Word.

Oh, of course.

Come on.

He is always here.

- Okay, I see him. - There he is, there he is.

- He looks mad. - Okay. He's always mad.

Hey!

We're in the middle of a dress rehearsal.

Right. Do you have the complete works of William Shakespeare?

Of course I do.

What self-respecting artistic director

doesn't have the complete works of William Shakespeare?

Good, I need it. Now.

Now? But I--

I know. Just for a quick second, I promise!

Wait.

Thank you!

- He seems busy. - I know. Okay.

This might be it though.

I have a good feeling about this.

- Two words. - Yes?

Enchanted cakes.

Absolutely!

You will have them. They're gonna be delicious!

Thank you!

Okay.

William Shakespeare, William Shakespeare.

Romeo and Juliet.

Act one, scene five.

"Away with the joint-stools, remove the court-cupboard,

"look to the plate.

"Good thou, save me a piece of marchpane." Marchpane.

That's it.

What's it, marchpane? I've never heard of it.

- No, marzipan. - Marzipan!

Yes. It originated in Persia but the German's perfected it.

How could I have forgotten this?

We need to go to the bakery.

- "We"? - Yes, we.

We are gonna bake some cakes.

Okay!

Marzipan.

Who would've thought of it?

It's-- it's so obscure yet so simple.

I know, and the clue is hidden in the very play

that brought my grandparents together. It's amazing.

I kinda feel privileged.

Why?

Well, I have inside information

into a secret family recipe.

That is true.

Hey, I'm-- I'm kidding.

I'm not gonna say anything.

I promise! - I'm not worried.

- Are you sure? - Yeah.

'Cause you seem a little bit worried.

- I'm fine. Really. - You also--

What?

You also have something here. It's sugar or something

on your cheek here. - It's a baking hazard.

You know what? Why don't we put a little bit more here--

- Oh, thank you. - And now it's just

sorta even.

And then it's perfectly...

- Balanced? - Symmetrical, balanced, yeah.

- Um, we should-- - Get baking.

Yes, baking.

A lot of cakes to bake. - Okay.

And I'm just getting the hang of it.

Okay. All right, so we're gonna load up another pan here.

Okay, yeah.

Morning! - Hey.

An all-nighter, huh?

Yep. And you...

need to taste this.

You did it!

Gwen did it.

We did it.

I helped, but you did it.

And thank you for watching Michelle.

That was really nice.

Oh, my pleasure. She is a super cool girl.

And we definitely didn't stay up all night

watching Christmas movies

and eating way too many gingerbread cookies.

Excellent.

Uh, well, you know, I should, um-- I should get going

'cause I gotta change and all kinds of stuff.

So, thank you

for a lovely evening.

Thank you for helping me.

Any time. - Okay.

- Well, bye. - Bye.

And, bye. Bye.

Bye, Gavin.

What?

Well, look who spent the night with a hot TV producer.

Spent the night baking.

Mm-hm, and you found the mystery ingredient

so you are just on a roll.

Yes, Christmas is saved. We have cookies for all.

Okay, for someone who just had an amazing night,

why aren't you in a better mood? What's up?

Do I still need to do the TV segment?

Dante's show? You wanna bail?

They said you didn't have to reveal the secret ingredient,

just the history, right?

I know, but I don't want people to think

that I'm taking credit for what she built.

I think you're scared.

Scared of what?

Love.

I'm gonna go put this inventory in the front window.

You know I don't do ellipses.

I find my own pauses.

All right? This whole thing's gonna have to be redone.

Hey!

Hi.

How ya feelin'?

Tired. But good! You?

Same. But, um, I'm really excited.

I think this is gonna be fantastic.

Uh, did you want a coffee or a cappuccino or something?

No, I'm fine.

Oh, sorry. This is the network. One second.

Okay.

Hey. Yep.

There's my baby girl!

Mother!

- What are you doing here? - Well, a little birdy

told me you were gonna be on television

and I wouldn't miss that for the world!

So I just hopped on the very next flight.

This is so exciting!

A television show shooting in my own home!

Ah! And that--

that Dante is quite something, isn't he?

Uh--

- Yes, he is something. - So manly.

And yet, with soft and sad eyes.

Mom, don't do this again,

please! - Yes, okay, sweetheart.

Listen, just let me know

if you need someone to appear on your segment.

I went into a trailer

and I had the hair and makeup people

get me camera ready just in case.

Of course you did. You look great.

Thank you!

And-- and, do you like your hair like this?

What?

And, action on rehearsal.

As seen in O Magazine's Christmas edition

and ranked one of the top five bakeries in America,

let's give a big, warm welcome to Gwen Miller,

owner and master baker extraordinaire

from Vernon Falls' very own Enchanted Bakery.

Welcome, Gwen! - Ah, thank you.

Thank you. I can't take credit, though. You know, um...

I owe everything to my grandmother, Joyce Engels.

She, uh-- the bakery was her pride and joy.

Fascinating.

Can you please tell us some more about her?

And perhaps tell us about the bakery's signature dish--

--the Lebkuchen.

I hear that there's a fable.

Well, it's not really a fable. It's a true story.

Even better!

- Yeah? - Yeah.

Oh, okay. Um--

Once, a long time ago, there was an actor

who travelled all over Bavaria with his company--

Story, story, story, story, we cut to a commercial.

Gavin, can I have a sidebar please?

- I'm sorry, what-- - Don't worry,

everybody screws up their first time.

- Screws up? I--

Well, I didn't finish my story.

Oh my God.

Gavin, Gavin, Gavin. She is absolutely wooden.

Wooden?

Yeah. That whole story about the actor in Bolivia,

it's just so dry! - It's Bavaria.

And you didn't even give her

a chance to tell it. She's gonna be fine!

Yeah. Oh, you're so naive.

You're so sweet! Listen. This is television.

It needs to be exciting! That is not gonna cut it.

No, we are gonna have to good cop bad cop this thing.

Definitely Turner and Hooch.

- Hooch was the dog. - Exactly.

Because you're loyal, see? And you keep chasing your own tail.

- Oh. - Hooch.

Or we could Big Lebowski it.

I don't know what we're talking about, Dante.

Doesn't matter, those are details.

Listen, the important thing to remember

is we need to protect this time slot.

Listen.

We're gonna have to

get that secret ingredient out of her.

No. No, no, we don't, okay?

That's not what this show is about.

Okay, Hooch.

I don't know what you've got up your sleeve but please,

be nice to this girl. All right? I like her.

I don't wanna bad cop anything.

Oh, you like her! Oh, I get it, okay.

Don't worry, I will play it nice.

What, what, why'd you just wink at me?

I didn't.

You just did it again!

I got something in my eye.

You--

Okay, so here's the thing.

I like him, he seems like a nice guy, but--

But what?

Okay.

No reason, but I just don't wanna go through the same thing

that I did with-- - Don't even say his name.

Ugh. Besides, this time has to be different

because now you have the power of the Lebkuchen behind you.

You really believe in all that magic?

Of course I do. That's what makes it real.

It's like-- does Lebkuchen really make people fall in love

or is it just the placebo effect like Dr. Oz talks about?

It doesn't matter, as long as it works.

Wow, I had never thought of it quite like that.

It's like permission to have your cake and eat it too.

Pun intended.

And so, the actor was my grandfather

and the innkeeper's daughter was my grandmother.

That's a beautiful story.

Oh, boy. At first I thought it was those onions

I was cutting earlier. No, no.

It was definitely that story.

Beautiful. Just beautiful. - Thank you.

Okay. Now, when people ask you

if your Christmas cake is really magical, what do you tell them?

Oh. Well...

it is if you believe it is.

Perfect. Hmm?

Okay, now we have the basic ingredients here

for a basic Lebkuchen, but you tell me,

what is the special twist that you put in yours

to make yours stand out from all the rest?

Oh. Um, interesting question.

I think it will depend on the chef.

You know, because love is a very personal thing

and I would never assume to tell someone else

where to find it. They have to find it on their own.

Humble! Hmm? Is she not Christmas personified, people?

Oh, that's beautiful.

Okay, but don't leave us hanging.

Tell us, what is that secret ingredient

that makes Enchanted Bakery's Lebkuchen

better than all the rest? Simply the best.

Hmm. Well, um--

Who's ready for some Christmas cake? I know I am!

When we come back,

we're gonna have that special secret ingredient revealed

but first we're gonna go

to downtown Main Street Vernon Falls.

Back in a flash-- of your pan.

And that's a cut!

I know what it is.

I'm sorry?

I know what it is.

- How? Who told you? - Someone close to you.

I'm sorry but we need to save our show.

I bet you do.

Hey. What are you doin'?

Well-- okay, look.

I can do this next segment

where I reveal the secret ingredient

with or without you.

It's your choice.

Without me.

Gwen, hold--

Gwen, wait--

What the hell are you doin', man?

Hey, don't talk to me like that in front of the crew.

Oh, please. You know, you are a child.

I know you are, but what am I?

- How could you have known? - Well, I should have.

Gwen, wait. I didn't tell him, I swear.

Yeah, well who did? - I don't know,

but you've gotta believe me. - Well, I don't believe you!

Okay. Um--

I'm trying to understand it, okay?

You've got your daughter to think about,

you have to save the show, I-- I get it.

That has nothing to do with anything.

Don't-- don't worry about it. Just--

take care of yourself.

Merry Christmas?

Come on.

Welcome back!

Who wants to find out what that secret ingredient is?

Huh?

I knew you would!

All right! Let's have a drum roll, please.

Marmalade!

One quarter cup of marmalade.

- I know, it's unexpected-- - What?

- Are you okay, Dad? -

- What happened there? - What?

Uh-- I don't know.

I don't know. But that's not it.

- What's not it? - What? Um, marmalade.

Marmalade is not the secret ingredient.

...which is French

for "things in place".

Went to voicemail.

So what are you waiting for? Go get her!

I still cannot believe

that I betrayed my grandmother that way.

Are you kidding? You didn't betray her.

In fact, you did the opposite. Gavin betrayed you.

I don't know.

It's still because of me

that her recipe is gonna be out there in the world.

Not your fault.

Again, Gavin.

Why would he do that to you?

His show's in trouble.

If this Christmas special doesn't go well,

it's the last nail in the coffin, right?

So, what, so that makes it okay

for him to just throw you under the bus like that?

No, of course it doesn't make it okay, but I'm really...

I'm trying to understand it.

It's my mother. I just-- I cannot do that right now.

I wish this show had never come to Vernon Falls.

I better go get the rest of the ingredients for

the next batch of cakes. Um-- - Yeah.

Are you gonna be okay by yourself?

Yeah, of course.

Thank you. I'm fine. Really.

Oh, come on!

Hi, Mom. I can't talk right now.

Oh honey, I am so sorry.

It's fine! Honestly, I'm fine.

I just-- you know, I'm busy, I'm baking.

No, no, no. I am so sorry about what I said to Dante!

Why? What did you say to Dante?

Well, he asked me what the secret ingredient was.

I told him marmalade.

I'm sorry, marmalade? Why would you say marmalade?

Oh honey, you know I'm a sucker for lost souls

with puppy dog eyes who overcompensate by being jerks!

Mother, please.

Oh, sweetheart, I just said

the first thing that came into my head

and I didn't know he was gonna use it for his--

I can't talk to you right now.

Come on, Gavin. Come on, come on, come on.

Pick up, please?

Okay. All right.

I'll do this another way.

Pardon me. Excuse me.

Excuse me! Excuse me!

Sorry.

- I'm sorry. - I'm sorry.

My mom just called. She told me

that she's the one that told Dante.

I'm sorry that I doubted you, I-- This is all my fault.

I should've never put you in that position.

You know that he's gonna run with that recipe

even though it's wrong.

Yeah.

Please tell me that using marmalade

instead of marzipan is gonna completely ruin that cake.

Marmalade is gonna completely ruin the cake.

Oh my God, are you cold?

Yeah, I didn't wear a coat or anything.

- Let's go to the bakery. - Yeah, yeah, yeah, okay.

Okay.

- Oof. - Oh, it's cold.

Yeah.

Um, Gavin?

What?

How many people will be watching that Christmas special?

Probably close to a million. Why?

So that means in two days a million people

will think that the Enchanted Bakery's signature dish

is made with marmalade. - Yeah.

Making it taste terrible

and ruining your grandmother's legacy.

And if we give Dante marzipan,

then who needs the bakery at all?

You know, I'm just gonna talk to him

and I'm gonna make him see. That's it.

No, wait. I think I know what might fix it.

Okay.

So the marmalade was a lie.

Go ahead. I'm listening.

You don't reveal any recipe

with or without marmalade,

and I will allow you to produce the cake

for your frozen dessert line.

Dante's Christmas Cakes,

in every grocery store.

That's what you wanted all along, right?

You never actually cared about the recipe.

No, but I do care now. And so should you.

If I release that recipe with the marmalade,

it's gonna be a lot worse for you

than it is for me, lemme tell ya.

You know how they say there is no such thing as bad publicity?

Well, there is.

I'll have my lawyers draw something up.

That cake really is magic.

Robe!

That's not my arm. What is wrong with you?

Look, there's gotta be a better way.

No, you know what? It's all right.

At least Gran's recipe is staying a secret.

And more people are going to enjoy it this way.

It won't have that personal touch, but--

all good things must come to an end.

Why do I think you're not talking about Christmas cake?

Listen, your life is in the city.

I'm glad to have met you, but this is gonna end.

We're gonna end. It's just--

It doesn't have to.

Look, I'm sorry that I screwed this whole thing up, I--

You didn't. It's fine.

Just-- why don't you spend some time with your daughter,

all right? She would love that.

I'm going to, uh, take a drive, clear my head.

- Ah, thank you. - You're welcome.

"Dear Joyce.

"I can't thank you enough for the recipe

"for your enchanted Christmas cake.

"You have managed to give me a most wonderful memory

"of my dear Harold.

"Now I can make my own magic, thanks to you."

Hey, the Lebkuchen's boxed up on the counter--

Whoa, whoa! What's the urgency?

- I'm going to Waterville, Ohio. - Why?

I'm going to see Judy Reeves. Gram sent her the recipe.

Okay, wait, wait, wait. You could try calling.

I tried.

I tried Google, I tried 411. Nothing.

Nothing except the address on the envelope.

I'll be right back.

Gwen, this is crazy.

I need to know what Gram wanted, okay?

I still don't get it.

Why did she offer up the recipe at all when the id asked her?

She was worried about me.

What?

She didn't wanna give up her grandmother's recipe

but she also didn't want you to lose your job.

She told me she liked you but that's more than like.

I mean, who does that?

Mich, she doesn't wanna see me anymore.

At least, not in that way.

Dad, she was fighting for you.

Don't you wanna fight for her?

May I help you?

Hello, are you Judy Reeves?

Do I know you?

You knew my grandmother, Joyce Engels?

Well, I wondered if I could ask you a few questions about her.

- Well, come on in, dear! - Thank you.

I only met her once.

It was a decade ago, and my late husband Harold and I

were passing through Vernon Falls.

And we happened upon

her Enchanted Bakery there.

She gave us the most wonderful cake.

The Lebkuchen.

That's it.

Oh, we became friends over the years,

exchanging letters, and then,

well, about seven months ago she asked me if I wanted the recipe.

I never knew that would be the last time

I'd ever hear from her.

So, she just gave it to you, just like that?

Well, she knew there was no way at my age for me to--

--come back to Vernon Falls.

She also knew how I love to bake.

So, she just sent it along.

Oh, she was a special lady, Joyce.

She was.

I guess she knew her time was almost up.

I just-- I don't understand it, you know?

She spent so long keeping it a secret.

Why would she--

Why would she do that?

- Don't you know? - No.

Well, she did it for you, dear!

For me?

Well, let me read you her letter.

"Dear Judy,

"like all grandmothers, I want what's best for my Gwennie.

"I've always encouraged her to go out into the world

"but she always comes back.

"That may change when I'm gone, and that's okay.

"I just want her to follow her heart and be happy.

"This way I know my Lebkuchen

"will live on through you

"and so many others who fed my heart and soul all these years.

"Enjoy the cake, my friend. The saying's true, you know.

"Love can set you free.

"And so can a cake."

"Love, Joyce."

Wow.

It's-- it's like dear Joyce's story.

When you're not looking for it--

--that's when you find it.

Oh, thank you for this.

Merry Christmas.

And you too, dear.

She did it for me.

She didn't want me to think that I had to carry on her legacy

at the bakery so she just did it herself.

So, if she gave the recipe away,

are you gonna let Dante sell it?

I really don't want to.

But I--

I also don't wanna hurt Gavin anymore, so,

I'm just trying to figure it out.

You played her.

Oh come on, she's an adult.

She just let her feelings get in the way.

I'm finished doing things for you.

Okay.

Look, can you sign these, 'cause my wrist is getting crampy.

You're not hearing me!

I quit.

Well, you can't quit!

You can't just--

You can't quit because I'm firing you!

You're fired by me!

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

Why don't you have some Christmas cake?

You could definitely use some.

Her too.

It's great to have you staying with us.

All right, enjoy your stay.

- Hey, Grandpa? - Yeah?

- Is Gavin here? - Uh, yeah.

Him and his daughter are up in their room. Why?

Okay, um, Grandma gave the recipe away.

She just gave it away to people.

Yeah. I knew that.

How did I not know that?

She used to write letters at night.

I used to post them from the inn.

It makes sense you wouldn't know.

Okay, well I need your advice.

It feels like I can either help Gavin save his job

or honor Grandma's legacy.

I-- I don't-- I don't know what to do.

If I learned one thing from Joyce, it's this--

follow your heart,

and it will lead you where you have to go.

Thank you. I needed that.

Okay. Love you. - Love you!

Off I go.

We're still doing our Christmas Eve tradition, right?

Absolutely. Wouldn't miss it for the world.

Okay.

- Hey. - Hi.

She gave it away.

Who? Uh, Joyce did?

Yeah, she wanted people to have it.

Here's the thing.

I don't want to give Dante the license for it,

but I also don't want you to lose your job,

and I just-- - No, no, no. I quit.

What?

I quit.

Really? Why?

You got into this whole mess with the recipe

because you cared about me, and it--

made me realize what's important in life.

- Mm-hm. - You know?

- Right. - Like Michelle.

Of course!

And-- and you.

I don't need Dante.

I need you.

Oh.

Yes!

Oh! Hi, Michelle.

Uh, wow. Um...

What are we gonna do about the special?

I have an idea.

Trust me. It'll work. - Okay. Great.

Yoo-hoo, Dante! Mind if I come in?

Well, it is my house anyway.

I brought us a special little somethin' somethin'!

You lied to me.

Oh, yeah, I did.

But it was for my daughter!

Come on. And you know what?

I understand what's happening to you.

Because I too have been-- off, off!

I too have been in the same position,

trying to be something I'm not.

What are you talking about?

I've always dreamed

of being a famous TV celebrity chef,

and that's what I am.

Really?

Because I've been doing a lot of research on you.

Not that I've been cyber stalking you.

Well, in the beginning I was.

And after a very deep internet dive,

I discovered a young boy

who grew up working as a busboy

in an Italian restaurant.

His father's restaurant.

- The Macaroni Mill. - Mm-hm.

And it had red and white checked cloths,

and on every table was a jar of powdered parmesan.

And all-you-could-eat garlic bread.

Mm.

It was so...tacky.

And cliché.

And I loved it.

I was so happy there.

I thought I'd work in my father's restaurant

for the rest of my life.

Then of course I thought I was better than all of that.

And look at me now.

I'm a second rate Gordon Ramsay.

But you know, you're right.

This isn't me!

How did you know?

Um,

I've been telling myself pretty lies all my life.

Because it's so much easier than facing the ugly truth.

Huh. But it's not.

Those lies are like a prison.

The truth? That's freedom.

And my truth is...

I'm not a celebrity chef at heart!

This stresses me out!

I...am a themed restaurateur.

And it's about time I started being myself.

Hmm.

- Mmm. - Mm!

Can I show you something?

Mm. Mm-hm!

Okay.

- Promise you won't laugh? - Mm-hm.

Okay.

Your head!

Oh.

- It is so virile! -

And-- and-- and regal!

Really?

Oh!

Ever been to Boca Raton?

You had me at "virile".

Mm-hm!

Jill's the editor for Oprah's online magazine.

I'm just on hold.

Hi! Jill. This is Gwen Miller,

from the-- yes.

Um, remember when you wanted to publish

the recipe for Lebkuchen online?

Does the offer still stand?

Great, thank you.

Thank you. Okay, I'll be touch.

Done!

Amazing!

Uh, Dan, your, uh, hair?

It was fake, Gavin.

It's me!

Like this life that I've been living.

That wonderful women in there,

she helped me learn the error of my ways.

And from now on, I'm not livin' that lie.

No, I'm gonna be true to myself.

I guess that's what this whole experience

with the Christmas cake has taught me.

I'm so sorry, Gwen.

For all the pain that I've caused you and your family.

Really, the last thing I would ever want

is to discredit your grandmother's legacy.

I hope that you can forgive me.

Of course.

Thank you.

Gavin, you are a great producer.

And I have been so lucky to have you

keep my sorry career afloat all these years,

even as I kept you from living your passion.

But I'm gonna step aside and let you do that now,

because that's what we should all do.

We should all follow our hearts!

Yeah?

Gavin, you go. You make that documentary.

I'm gonna go to Boca Raton to put the--

the "catcha" back in "focaccia".

That doesn't mean anything.

But I'll work on it.

All right, come on, my little tiramisu!

Come on.

Oh!

Okay.

Okay. All right, buddy.

Okay. Thank you.

Merry Christmas.

- Merry Christmas. - Bye.

- Merry Christmas. - Well, that was weird.

Mother, how did you do that?

Well, I tore a page out of your book

and spoke to him from my heart.

Wow.

People really listen when you do that.

They do.

Ugh, I felt so bad that I was trying to fix things

and once again, I made them worse.

It's fine! Your heart was in the right place.

Plus, you did make up for it in the end, didn't you?

So. The recipe's gonna be out there.

Wow. A gift to the world.

Yeah. It's what Grandma would've wanted.

Thank you.

So, um, what are you gonna do now?

Well, um, my suite at the resort

is paid for the next week, so, why not?

And what about your Hotstralian kite-surfer?

Okay. Well,

I think I prefer the Hunktalian chef.

Of course you do.

Merry Christmas, baby.

Merry Christmas, mom.

Come on, my little gelato, before you melt!

My mother, everybody.

That was...unexpected.

Yes.

Bye!

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas.

Bye-bye!

Enjoy.

Wow. Wow.

♪ O, Christmas tree, o, Christmas tree ♪

Now, we can't have Christmas Eve

without having our very, very special egg nog

for the young ladies.

- Very special egg nog. - Thank you.

Merry Christmas. For you, my darling.

Thank you.

And Gavin.

Thank you very much.

And I'd like to thank you also for having myself

and my daughter at your Christmas tradition.

It's very nice.

I don't think this was a coincidence.

It's just like the story.

So romantic.

But I think we're missing something to complete it.

We are not missing anything.

Grandma's Lebkuchen.

Whoa!

Ooh! Lovely.

Grandpa, the honors, as usual.

I think this year we should have a new tradition.

Gavin, why don't you and Gwen cut the cake?

Really?

Yeah.

Oh, this is quite an honor. Thank you very much.

I would like to do a toast.

- Absolutely. - Okay.

To my grandmother, Joyce Engels

for her unwavering belief

in better angels, in love,

and that we can all find our way at Christmas and beyond.

- To Joyce. - To Joyce.

To Joyce.

So, what's next for you, Gavin?

Uh, well...

um, I'm actually gonna go to Europe.

I'm gonna do a documentary in Paris for a couple months.

Wow, really?

- And I'm gonna go with him. - Really?

Yes. I'm going to finish my studies at the Patisserie

in the Cordon Bleu.

Joyce would be so proud.

Thank you, Grandpa.

- Merry Christmas, everyone.

Merry Christmas.

- Hear, hear. - It's so good!

It's the marzipan.

It's you.