Cooking is probably the most relaxing activity...one that keeps your mind distracted from unwanted thoughts. I am saying this because I saw, firsthand, what an effect cooking can have on someone who is just recovering from a tragic loss.

On Saturday morning, my mother-in-law said that we could make murukku, to distribute to cousins whom we were going to meet on Sunday. So, in the morning we went to the Indian store to buy the ingredients. In the evening, once all the ingredients were laid out on the kitchen counter, my mother-in-law started her work. We could see a big smile on her face, as stood kneading the dough. She even rejected her son's offer of help. Once the dough was ready, she started making murukkus...I was in charge of the frying part only.
We noticed, with joy, that she was so full of energy throughout the process. And once everything was done, she was content...at having done something that she loves doing.
The final product was worth all the work and time spent, more so because it helped her forget everything else, if only for a few hours.
My cousins M&M came for lunch on Sunday...here is what we had
Gobi Manchurian
Baingan Bhatha
Palak Tofu
Corn Pulav