Don't talk about your marriage. No, really.

Did you know you can improve you marriage without even talking about it 💡💡 in just 285 seconds per day?! In fact talking about it can make it worse, according to research by Steven Stosny Ph.d, & Patricia Ed.d Love. You just need to connect more. Develop a love beyond words.

In one example before setting out on a road trip with the kids, my wife took the time to prepare my dinner for that night (and the next). Over a bed of rice and home fried potatoes she laid freshly cut mushrooms, asparagus and skinless chicken drumsticks. All spiced to perfection and set in the 1.5 quart Crock-Pot on the counter. The smell of the savory dish was warming as I walked through the door.

As appealing to the eye as it was to the palate.

Most times all you need to connect is a kind, caring, or nurturing gesture. Discuss below ⤋⇊⤋⇊

Eight nights of latkas. The Finale!

As Hanukkah comes to a close we reminisce about the eight wonderful nights of latkas, added light from the menorah and the dreidle games that we played. A time we celebrate with our family and friends.

On the first night we had traditional potato latkas and a surprise beet latka, yum.

On night number two we had a sweet and tasty apple latka.

On night number three we celebrated with a broccili and cheese latka to commemorate the miracle of the Yehudit and the Cheese.

On the fourth night we had a sweet treat made from carrots and sweet potatoes.

One of my favorite latkas were served on the fifth night this year. Zucchini Latkas.

We were even gifted a spectacular menorah shaped latka flipper (aka spatula).

Did you ever eat a Yucca? On night number six yucca latkas were served.

On the seventh night we eat leek latkas. (It's not a custom it just happened that way.)

For the finale on the eighth night of chanukah we served up a butternut squash latka.

The technique stays the same. Grate the vegetable, mix with enough egg to coat all the grating but not too much that they are swimming. Season to taste. And finally fry in hot oil flipping when they will not fall apart until golden brown.

Serve with apple sauce or sour cream.

What types of latkas did you make that are not listed here?

Potato Leek Latkas. Pancakes

For night number seven,
A latka from heaven.
Some cilantro does peek,
Through the potato and leek.

A savory dish,
Serve with meat for fish.
Or a vegetarian plate,
Feel free to create.

Shred Three gezunte potatoes,
A bit of cilantro and one stalk of leek,
Mix it with two fresh jumbo eggs.

Seasoned to taste.

Fry in hot oil for a crispy, savory, and delicious, golden latka. Happy Chanukah.

Part seven of and eight day series. Make sure to see them all.

Slow Cooker Shepard's Pie - make it ahead

Tomorrow's dinner made tonight.

Sometimes in the kitchen prep is the way to go. Actually, the kitchen is only as strong as the prep cook. With the wife starting a new job tomorrow and us both having off today it was a perfect night to cook two dinners.

Tonight we had mini burgers aka sliders, pretty mixed rice, sweet potatoes, and steamed corn on the cob (off the cob was also available).

All that left making tomorrow's dinner ahead easier. A surplus sized ground beef mixture makes the perfect base for slow cooker Shepard's Pie. Green beans go next. Drizzle that with basil marinara sauce and finely chopped onions. Finally for the upper most layer a buttery well seasoned mashed potato blend.

Put on the lid. Let sit overnight in the fridge and plop it in the Crock Pot (we have a tiny one) base on low before heading out for the day. If you get home early you can put it on high approximately four hours before dinner.

Update tommorow when it's ready. Good night. Sign up for notifications so you never miss a meal.

[Update: final pictures added]

While waiting to serve I tossed a few spinach leaves on top for good measure. I added shortening on top to make the potatoes crispy but I added to much. Just a bit should do it. The potatoes were slightly creamier than expected but overall I would call this recipe a success.

I present to you Sideways Shepard's Pie.