Single-minded chef Scarlett stubbornly refuses to cater to the clients' changing taste, nor provide a seasonal menu, until the main investor threatens to withdraw his capital. Her best friend, maitre d and partner now promises a 'smashing new Christmas menu', which he arranges for a feared critic to judge, convinces her to seek inspiration at a specialized countryside course. It's given by her cooing school ex, whom she dumped for lacking ambition, but whose 'simplistic traditions' prevail with the other students. Slowly she warms to the Santa spirit and their relationship may blossom again, but time runs out.—KGF Vissers