A father's legacy lives on through Sheila's kitche

Sheila Muruvan cherishes her father's legacy through her culinary artistry, a skill she learned from her late father, Nam Achary, after losing her mother at the age of ten. As a resident of Clayfield in Phoenix, Sheila still carries on her father's tradition of teaching the importance of cooking as a display of love, generosity, and family values.

Retired from broadcasting, Sheila devotes her time to cooking, baking, and other pastimes like crocheting and making pickles. Her father's words, "Having pride takes you nowhere," continue to guide her actions, even in his absence. Some of her cherished childhood memories are of her father teaching her to cook, including his famous mutton stew, Christmas turkey pot roast, and homemade appam.

One crucial lesson she learned from him is to always keep the stove running, in case unexpected visitors arrive. Today, Sheila maintains this practice, ensuring there's always a hot meal ready for her neighbors, friends, and family. Her Soft Chicken Breyani, a creation developed through years of experimentation, is a favorite at family gatherings and among neighbors.

For Sheila, the joy lies not only in preparing a delicious meal but also in seeing others enjoy it, a feeling that fills her heart with warmth. Even though she and her husband do not have biological children, Sheila enthusiastically shares her recipes with her nieces and nephews, ensuring the continuation of her family's culinary traditions.

To her, family remains the most important aspect of her life, as she believes that sharing warmth, love, and a meal together strengthens the bonds between them.