Jack Evans, who never left his natal small town, and Amy Stone, who started a New York career in advertising, are called to the reading of the testament of her aunt Linda, who made them joint heirs of her financially crippled bakery.
It also requests they reopen it at least for another edition of the town's Christmas tradition, a baking competition, the winner of which is added to her famous recipe book. Jack instantly commits out of loyal piety, Amy only reconsiders an initial refusal as her tyrannical boss, from whom she hopes for a promotion, insists in a window dressing phase of seasonal family spirit, then bluntly declares herself CEO of the operation.
The local family lawyer plays a dirty party, having made a deal to sell the highly praised and prized recipes.