In January, I was able to speak in my hometown of Wilmington, Delaware, for the Smart Talk Connected Conversations series. It was a thrill to see my extended family and revel in my childhood memories. I also enjoyed sharing this part of my life with Tom. He fit right in with our big Italian family (because it is a lot like his own family), and I'm happy to share these memories with you.

We visited Holy Rosary where I went to school and church as a child, and where I took my first Holy Communion. I almost had a heart attack when I saw Tastykakes at the Claymont Steak Shop. These were my favorite treats when I was growing up - definitely not something you want to eat regularly, but a nice indulgence that really took me back to my childhood.

Check out our family photo album from the trip!

We had Sunday dinner at my Aunt Adeline's house. She made her mouth-watering cappeletti soup. I'm trying to get the recipe for the website, but as with any good old family recipe, it's a little more art than science. Aunt Adeline has a beautiful, big kitchen on the main floor of the house - but she does all of her cooking in the basement and that is where the family gathers. In fact, I don't think I ever ate an important family meal in the dining room at the grown-up table. I was always at the kids' table in the basement, and I wouldn't have had it any other way.

In my generation, we have 11 cousins in the Bertinelli family, with 11 years between the youngest and oldest. We spent so much time laughing at old pictures (hello, 1970s wide ties and Elvis belts!) and reminiscing about growing up. My cousin David and Tom hit it off - they were cracking each other up. I took my Mom and Dad on the trip with us for their Christmas gift this year, but truly, the gift was all mine. It was great to be surrounded by my family - the one's that knew me "when" and won't let me forget it!