Ep 1. Holidays

Unwrapped is a food show that delves into the stories behind America's favorite snacks, candy, and drinks. In the eighth season's premiere episode, titled "Holidays," viewers get a glimpse into the treats that bring us together during some of the most festive times of the year.

Host Marc Summers takes us on a journey to explore the history, production, and cultural significance of some holiday favorites. First up, we get an in-depth look at how candy canes are made, from the initial mixing of the sugar syrup to the shaping and flavoring process. We learn about the origins of the candy cane, dating back to the 17th century in Germany, and how it became associated with Christmas.

Next, we dive into the world of eggnog, exploring the ingredients and production process that gives this holiday drink its distinctive flavor. We discover the possible origins of eggnog, dating back to medieval Britain, and how it evolved into the classic drink we know today.

Moving on to a more modern holiday treat, we explore the story of fruitcake. We learn about the history of the fruitcake and how it became a traditional holiday gift, and we meet a bakery in Texas that has been making fruitcakes for generations. We get a behind-the-scenes look at the production process, including the mixing of the ingredients, the baking, and the packaging.

After exploring traditional holiday foods, Marc takes us to a more unconventional holiday feast in New Orleans, where the St. Roch Market serves up oysters on the half shell. We learn about the history of oysters in New Orleans and how they became a staple of the holiday season.

Finally, we end our tour of holiday treats with a look at the age-old tradition of gingerbread houses and cookies. We visit a bakery in New York City that has been making gingerbread creations for over 20 years. We learn how the dough is made, the ingredients that go into it, and the art of decorating with royal icing. We also visit a family in Wisconsin who make gingerbread houses every year, using their own unique designs and techniques.

Throughout the episode, Marc provides fascinating insights into the history and cultural significance of these holiday treats, as well as the modern production processes and techniques used to make them. We also get to hear from the people who make these treats, from candy makers in Pennsylvania to oyster shuckers in New Orleans. It's a delightful tour of the foods that bring us together during the holiday season, and a must-watch for any food or holiday enthusiast.