Hosted by culinary artist and public-radio personality Carole Murko, HEIRLOOM MEALS CHRISTMAS celebrates the holiday season by delving into America's rich and diverse culinary history and honoring tried-and-true recipes and dining traditions. As she did in Heirloom Meals Thanksgiving, Murko seeks to "savor yesterday's traditions today" while paying tribute to the dying art of cooking from scratch. She contrasts the Mexican-American tradition of making tamales on Christmas Eve with the old-world Austrian-American custom of preparing a Christmas goose. Other unique recipes include a sweet potato cake, holiday-themed lollipops and a closely guarded family eggnog. Murko also visits the Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge, Mass. to tour a special exhibit of works related to Charles Dickens and Christmas. She ventures to Shelburne Farms in Vermont to chat with a cheesemaker about sustainable farming. To add to holiday cheer, the special also includes songs performed by world-renowned jazz singer and pianist Judy Carmichael in the comfort of Carole's home.
