I was born and raised on the East Coast and grew up in Brooklyn, New York, and I am 100 percent Italian. My family immigrated from Naples, Italy, and I am a first-generation American. I love the holidays and have some great memories and traditions because my big Italian family would get together and have a great time.

I’m talking of all my aunts, uncles and cousins and, of course, my five sisters and two brothers. My family really looked forward to getting together for the holidays. My mother, Concetta (God rest her soul), was a talented cook. Her homemade Italian dishes were the big attraction that brought us together every year.