When Christmas rolls around, it's time to enjoy Warner Brothers' classic Christmas movie "Elf." Hosts Ree Drummond and Eddie Jackson challenge four of the finest cookie makers around to get inspired by "the seven levels of the candy cane forest" and "the sea of swirly-twirly gumdrops" to create cookies that show the parts of Buddy's journey not featured in the movie. When it's over, one "cotton-headed ninny muggin" will be sent home for the holidays, while the one who decorates the most fantastical journey will win an advantage for the next round. Then, the three remaining cookie makers cobble together 3D pop-up cookie book displays showing their favorite scene from "Elf." Their magical displays will have to incorporate ingredients from Buddy the Elf's favorite meal: maple syrup, chocolate syrup, candy-coated chocolates, chocolate breakfast pastries or cooked spaghetti. One talented son of a nutcracker will win $10,000 and the coveted Golden Ornament.
Chef Cliff Crooks connects with three chefs in need of help, starting with Carlos in New London, Conn. He came to the U.S. from Ecuador and achieved the American dream while working in kitchens, but as the head chef at Hot Rods Cafe, he must learn some tricks beyond cooking wings and burgers to help his best friend and the restaurant's owner bring in new customers to pay for a costly renovation. In Essex Junction, Vt., cooking saved the life of former addict Cody, but he needs help getting past his self-doubt to successfully run the kitchen at El Gato Cantina. Finally, Chef Cliff meets Kelly, a self-taught chef who transformed her health-food meal prep business into Fit Foodie Express in Long Beach, N.Y. She and her husband put their savings into the business, but her lack of cooking and restaurant experience could mean the end of not only their business but also their marriage.