Stories of Belonging: Nonna Maura

Maura’s Journey from Salerno to Vancouver.

I first met Maura through Instagram, where she had been following my page and engaging with my posts. One day, she messaged me to say she had purchased my cookbook — a moment that truly warmed my heart. When we finally met in person, I was immediately struck by the deep love she has for her family. Her warmth radiates through every story she shares, and her devotion to her daughters, granddaughters, and even her husband is simply beautiful.

Maura’s journey began in a small town in the province of Salerno, Italy. On September 3rd, 1985, at just 21 years old and newly married, she and her husband made the courageous decision to move to Canada. They arrived in Vancouver with hope in their hearts, ready to build a new life in a country full of opportunity.

When I asked Maura what she missed most about Italy, she smiled and said, “My family, of course.” She came from a large, loving household — five sisters and two brothers — and although she was far from them, she carried her Italian heritage with pride. Her traditions, values, and recipes became the foundation of her new life in Canada.

In Vancouver, Maura found work, community, and a sense of belonging. Over the years, she built a beautiful life: two daughters, five grandchildren, and countless memories shared around the kitchen table. Her home is a haven of Italian culture, filled with laughter, homemade food, and the comforting aroma of traditional dishes.

Even today, Maura continues to cook the same recipes she learned in Italy. Every birthday, she and her husband prepare homemade Italian sausages, a cherished tradition that brings the whole family together. For her grandchildren, she makes panzerotti, , gnocchi, pasta and more  — their absolute favorite. These dishes aren’t just meals; they’re expressions of love and legacy.

Her husband still makes homemade wine every year, using grapes and the old-fashioned method — no shortcuts, no juice. Their son-in-law often joins in, just like in the old days, turning the winemaking process into a celebration of family and tradition.

Maura is the heart of her family — a true Italian nonna whose warmth, resilience, and culinary traditions continue to inspire those around her. Her story is a testament to the power of food, memory, and connection. Meeting her reminded me why I started the Stories of Belonging series: to honor women like Maura who carry their culture with grace and pass it on with love.

Maura wanted to share a family favourite recipe: Mulignane inchiappate e fritte/ Fried Stuffed Eggplant

In Nonna Maura’s kitchen, the smell of fried eggplants filled the air like a warm hug. This is a recipe our whole family loves — a dish from Southern Cuisine.

She called it “Mulignane Inchiappate e Fritte,” which in her dialect means stuffed and fried eggplants.

Nonna Maura used Japanese eggplants, thin and delicate. She sliced them lengthwise, sprinkled them with salt, and placed something heavy on top — a plate or a pot — to help draw out all their water. After a while, she rinsed, squeezed the water out and patted them dry, ready for the next step.

Then came the filling — a rich, simple mixture of Parmigiano Reggiano, Pecorino, and caciocavallo cheese, all finely grated. She whisked in five eggs, just a little salt and pepper, until everything came together into a creamy, savory mix.

Each eggplant slice was then gently stuffed — two slices joined together like a little sandwich — with that cheesy filling tucked inside. She then fried them until golden and crisp.

Finally, Nonna Maura laid them in a baking dish, spooned over a bit of warm homemade tomato sauce, sprinkled more cheese on top, and placed them in the oven for just a few minutes — not to cook, but to keep them warm and melty. A simple and beautiful dish from an authentic Italian kitchen, where every bite tastes like family and belonging .