If I close my eyes, I can vividly recall the emotions, aromas, and flavors of the various holidays from my childhood both in Italy and Philadelphia, to which I immigrated as a child. For Italians, holidays make up an important part of the family fabric and traditions that define us.

Although I am enamored with all the holidays, my favorite has always been the Feast of the Seven Fishes. To me, it is the most ceremonial, flavorful, and festive of all our family holidays. I must also admit that as a child it was my favorite because we opened the presents at midnight to celebrate the birth of baby Jesus, as was custom in our Cilento sub-region of Italy.