Stories of Belonging: Nonna Maria

From Bella to Canada: Nonna Maria’s Journey and Her Beloved Ricotta Recipe

A Story of Italian Immigration, Family, and Resilience

Maria was born in Bella, a picturesque town nestled in the province of Potenza, Southern Italy. In 1957, at just thirteen years old, she embarked on a life-changing journey to Canada—a voyage that would shape her future and reflect the courage of many Italian immigrants.

Her nine-day boat trip across the Atlantic was far from easy. The woman assigned to care for her fell ill, leaving Maria to rely on the kindness of fellow passengers. Despite the challenges, she arrived in Winnipeg with determination and a heart full of purpose.

Supporting Family in a New Land

Maria’s reason for emigrating was deeply rooted in family. Her sister, already in Canada and expecting her third child, needed help raising her young children. Just six days after Maria’s arrival, her sister gave birth. Though still a child herself, Maria stepped into a caregiver role with grace and maturity. She never attended school in Canada, but her contributions at home were invaluable.

In 1958, Maria’s brother joined her in Winnipeg, followed by her parents in 1960. Their reunion marked a new chapter of stability and belonging in their adopted country.

Love, Legacy, and the Italian Spirit

At nineteen, Maria met her future husband, a man originally from Treviso. They married the following year and spent twenty-seven years together, raising three children. Today, Maria is a proud grandmother of six—a living testament to the strength, love, and traditions she carried from Italy.

Her story is one of resilience, sacrifice, and enduring devotion to family. Like many Italian immigrants, Maria built a new life in Canada while preserving the cultural roots that shaped her.

Nonna Maria’s Homemade Ricotta Recipe 🧀

Traditional Italian Ricotta Made with Love

Ingredients:

• 2 liters whole milk
• 1 cup whipping cream
• 1 cup water
• 1 shot glass vinegar

Method:

1. Warm the milk in the microwave for a few minutes, then pour it into a pot.
2. Add the whipping cream (also warmed for one minute) and the water.
3. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil until a light film forms on the surface.
4. Add the vinegar and stir gently. Watch as the milk curdles, forming soft white curds and golden whey.
5. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the curds into a clean cheese container or cheesecloth.
6. Let it drain slowly—Maria always says ricotta must be made with patience and care.

Tip from Nonna Maria: Never throw away the leftover whey! It’s perfect for bread, pizza dough, pancakes, or any recipe that calls for water.

Honoring Italian Heritage Through Food and Storytelling

Spending time with Maria and learning her story was a gift. Her warmth, wisdom, and culinary traditions are a reminder of how food connects generations and preserves culture. This ricotta recipe is more than just a dish—it’s a piece of her journey, passed down with love.