National cuisine is a key component in the culture of any people. Recipes and culinary secrets are passed on from generation to generation in families, preserving the finest folk traditions. In Karelia and in the Russian North, favorite sweet dishes have long been jams and compot drinks made with local fruits and berries. As well as their wonderful taste, they were valued for their health benefits, and even used as medicines. Modern science has provided confirmation of the wisdom of ancient healers, demonstrating that the northern berries are richer in vitamins than southern fruits. Alexander Uvarov, traveling through Karelia, learns to create health-giving desserts in an unusual way — on the fire, just as they have been for generations in the north. He shares his experiences with RTG viewers.