Last weekend was a busy time for the Lemongrass family as we bustled about the kitchen making traditional Deepavali goodies to be served on Deepavali Day.

As usual, I arrived equipped with my cameras, ready to document each step for the benefit of my readers.

“LL! Stop taking photographs and help out!” yelled my mum.  Mum isn’t a big fan of my photography.

“But it’s for my blog. I neeeeeeeeed to take pictures!” I looked at her with my big brown eyes.

That plea didn’t work on mum. She pushed the muruku making device to me. “Here…help Kathy!” she growled.

After several attempts at making unbroken lengths of spiralled snakes, they gave up on me.

I was immediately given the less strenuous task of frying the muruku. Which meant that my face was going to look like the wok, dripping in oil, in a couple of hours time. What joy.

But I did the task well. Kinda. Note that muruku in darker shade was due to my spending time away from wok to take blog-worthy pictures for you, so no snarky comments from you, thank you.

After 5 hours of non-stop frying, I was almost a pro and ready to embark on my next challenge. Kara muruku. Whoopee. I can’t feel my toes.

Kathy, my talented sister-in-law, kneaded the dough while I…..well, I took photos. (Imagine nasty looks from mum, directed at me, at this point.)

Kathy then pressed out the dough straight into the wok in circular motions while I….well, I took photos.

As we waited for the kara muruku to cook, I took more photos.

I was eventually kicked out of the kitchen.  But I must say I had a great time bonding with mum and sister-in-law for that 5 hours as we slaved away while making traditional Deepavali goodies the old fashioned way.  (Note:  Taking good photographs = hard work too.)

HAPPY DEEPAVALI, PEOPLE!

To my Hindu readers, Happy Deepavali! The kolam is an apt design to start off the celebration with. It is a design drawn on the floor and filled in with coloured rice powder as a sign of welcome and prosperity.

The festival is celebrated with lamps and lights, signifying the victory of good over evil.

Deepavali Day is always celebrated with a lot of food cooked by my mother. This year, sis-in-law, Kat, took over some of the responsibilities and passed with flying colours.

Mutton curry by mum

Penang achar by Kat

Mutton perattal by mum

Fried chicken by Kat

Fruit salad by Kat

What’s unique is that these two ladies (mum and Kat) do not come from an Indian background. Having married men of Indian/part Indian heritage, they picked up the skills and can now cook a fantastic array of Indian cuisine, some of which are influenced by their Chinese and Nyonya heritage. And this is what being truly Malaysian is all about. I can’t help but salute these two women. (Note: Lyrical Lemongrass’ area of specialty is eating, and not cooking! We all have our strengths. 😛 )

Deepavali cookies and muruku assortment (muruku, kara muruku, achi muruku, omapodi) by mum and Kat

Those who are unable to view my pictures on flickr, including the good people of Abu Dhabi, may click HERE to view the pictures.