Rach Recalls the Family Christmas Tradition Behind Her Mamma Leone’s-Style Spaghetti and Meatballs

We all get a bit nostalgic around the holidays -- and Rach is no exception!

She recently made Mamma Leone’s-Style Spaghetti and Meatballs with Mozzarella (watch her and co-host Jesse Palmer make it in the video above!), Mamma Leone-Style Eggplant and Sausage Ragu AND Mamma Leone-Style Meat, Spinach and Sausage Lasagna -- and she gave the audience the sweet backstory behind the recipes.

"We used to go every year," Rach says of Mamma Leone’s in NYC, which closed its doors in 1994. "Pasquale was our waiter, and he'd put me on his shoulders, and we'd dance around the dining room."

Awww!

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"I used to eat the olives off my fingers," she continues.

Not only that, but she would also get to pick her Christmas gift from FAO Schwarz beforehand.

SCORE!

"It was great," she reminisces.

Well, now we’re definitely ready for the holidays!

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And keep an eye out, because you never know when Rach is going to whip up another Mamma Leone’s-inspired recipe -- because hey, she’s feeling nostalgic!

Take a peek at Mamma Leone's old menu below!

Rachael Ray Show